Ancient Craft - Fun Archaeology Quiz!

Excavation is considered to be a destructive archaeological technique because it involves the physical removal of artifacts, structures, and layers of soil from an archaeological site. This process is irreversible and can cause damage to the site, potentially destroying valuable information that could have been obtained through other non-destructive techniques. Excavation is typically reserved for cases where the potential knowledge gained outweighs the loss of the site's integrity.

Dendrochronology is a dating method that uses tree rings to determine the age of wooden artifacts or structures. By analyzing the patterns of tree rings, scientists can establish the precise year in which the tree was cut down, providing valuable information about the timeline of events in archaeology. This method is particularly useful for dating objects from the past few thousand years, as the width and characteristics of tree rings can be correlated with known historical events and climate patterns.

Enthoarchaeology aims to link the past and present. This field of study focuses on understanding the relationship between ancient cultures and their modern counterparts. By examining material remains and cultural practices, enthroarchaeologists seek to uncover connections and continuities between past and present societies. This helps to provide insights into the ways in which cultural traditions and practices have evolved over time.

Artefacts that are found together and likely to be used at the same time or for roughly the same task are known as "assemblage". This term refers to a collection of objects that are found in close proximity to each other and are believed to have been used or created together. It implies a certain level of association and can provide valuable insights into the cultural, social, and historical context of the objects.

The correct answer is Piltdown Man. The Piltdown Man was a famous hoax that was "discovered" in a pit in Sussex between 1908-1912. It was believed to be the missing link between humans and apes, but was eventually revealed to be a forgery. The skull fragments and jawbone were actually from different species, and the teeth had been filed down to make them appear more human-like. The hoax was not exposed until 1953, causing embarrassment to the scientific community.

Flotation is a method used to separate seeds, small bones, and other organic material from soils or sediments using water. This technique takes advantage of the different densities of the materials, where the heavier particles sink to the bottom while the lighter ones float to the surface. By carefully pouring water over the sample and collecting the floating materials, the desired organic material can be separated and studied.

David Livingston is not a recognized archaeologist. He is known for his exploration and missionary work in Africa, particularly for his expeditions to find the source of the Nile River. While he made significant contributions to geographical knowledge, he did not specialize in archaeology. On the other hand, Mortimer Wheelar, Zahi Hawass, Howard Carter, and Kathleen Kenyon are all well-known archaeologists who have made important discoveries and contributions to the field.

Debitage refers to the by-products or waste material that is left behind during the process of flintknapping. This includes the flakes, fragments, and chips of stone that are produced when shaping or sharpening flint or other types of stone. The term "debitage" is commonly used in archaeology and anthropology to describe these discarded materials, which can provide valuable insights into the techniques and activities of past human populations.

Terminus ante quem is the correct answer. This Latin phrase is used in relative dating to confirm the time period before which an event or artifact must have occurred. It is typically determined through stratigraphy, which involves studying the layers of rock or sediment in which the artifact is found. By identifying the lowest layer in which the artifact is present, archaeologists can establish a "limit before which" the artifact must have been deposited, providing a chronological context for dating it.

Mick Ashton is one of the regular archaeologists on Channel 4's "Time Team" TV show.

The Treasure Act (24th September 1997) covers any object other than a coin, as long as it contains at least 10% of gold or silver and is at least 300 years old when found. This means that any non-coin object that meets these criteria is considered treasure and falls under the regulations of the Treasure Act.

Optical-Amino Potassium dating is not an archaeological dating technique. The other options listed (Amino acid dating, Thermoluminescence, Radiocarbon dating, and Obsidian hydration dating) are all legitimate methods used in archaeology to determine the age of artifacts or archaeological sites. However, Optical-Amino Potassium dating is not a recognized technique in the field.