Archaeology Support Q&A with Andrew Kinkela

Introduction

• Andrew Kinkela, an archaeologist, answers questions on Twitter about archaeology.

Archaeology vs Paleontology

• Paleontology: Studies very old things like dinosaurs, typically millions of years old.
• Archaeology: Focuses on the human past, mainly last 10,000 years.
  • Includes ancient human ancestors, studying early human evolution from several million years ago.

Significant Archaeological Discoveries

• Richard III's Remains: Found in a parking lot, demonstrating change and forgotten pasts.
• Shipwreck Endurance: Found off Antarctica's coast using Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs).

Tools in Archaeology

• Use various tools, not just brushes.
• Trowel: Primary tool for digging, can be fast or precise.
• Touch and Sound: Important for identifying artifacts.
• Pedestaling: Technique to record artifact location accurately.

Rosetta Stone

• Crucial for deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics.
• Found in 1799, contains the same text in Egyptian hieroglyphics, demotic, and Greek.

Stone Tools

• Hammer Stone: Used to create flakes from stones, creating sharp edges.
• Obsidian: Volcanic glass used for its sharp edges.

Dial of Destiny

• New artifact in Indiana Jones movie.
• Based on Antikythera Mechanism: Tracked planetary movements using precise gears.

Excavating Graves

• Often unexpected finds; reveals much about past cultures and individuals.
• Provides information on death, diseases, social status, and religion.

Carbon Dating

• Measures decay of Carbon-14 isotope to date organic materials.
• Not applicable to rocks.

LIDAR in Archaeology

• Used for mapping and obtaining geographic data of sites.
• Costs have decreased, making it more accessible for projects.

Discovery vs Crime Scene

• Distinguishing ancient remains from potential crime scenes.
• Fresh remains are more supple, unlike ancient dry remains.

Forensic Facial Reconstruction

• Not entirely accurate; depends on skull features and trends of the time.

Archaeological Excavations

• Excavations follow surveys and mapping.
• Often involve finding artifacts unexpectedly, especially in urban areas.

Valuable Finds

• Mayan Pyramid: Discovered using Google Earth.

Desired Finds

• Tomb of Tutankhamun: Discovered by Howard Carter, known for its well-preserved artifacts.

Sex Estimation from Skeletons

• Analyzing skull and pelvis; can be challenging with incomplete skeletons.

Debunking Myths

• Ancient Apocalypse: Claims of a vanished advanced civilization are unfounded.

Maya and Cenotes

• Cenotes considered sacred; sometimes used for sacrifices during desperate times.

Archaeologists' Attire

• Depends on environment; jungle work requires light clothing, boots, and a machete.

Increase in Discoveries

• Driven by modern technology (LIDAR, satellite) and increased global excavation due to population growth.

Unanswered Questions

• Origins of humans in the Americas: still debated, with evidence suggesting migration from Asia.

Conclusion

• The session answered various public questions, shedding light on archaeological practices and discoveries.