Archaeological Science

Investigate ancient societies through the eyes of a materials scientist.
Teacher: Sasha Wrobel

Have you ever wondered how the Ancient Egyptians built the Great Pyramids? Or what the real story is behind those crystal skulls in the latest Indiana Jones movie? Archaeologists strive to answer questions like these as they investigate human societies. This course will introduce students to the techniques archaeologists employ to reconstruct past societies, including introductions to the fields of palaeoethnobotany, archaeochemistry, and palaeoradiology. The course will then transition into in-depth analyses of the ancient complex societies that emerged in the Andes, Mesoamerica, and Egypt. While studying these societies, particular emphasis will be placed on specific technological innovations that developed in response to the cultural requirements of human societies. Periodic lab and class activities will be scheduled so that students can practice actual archaeological methods and re-create ancient technologies and artistic styles. The class will culminate with student presentations on unanswered questions in the field of archaeology.

For the application...

Prerequisites

1 year of chemistry or another high school physical science course.

Relevant experience

any chemistry or ancient history courses or activities, including watching documentaries or reading scientific magazines about ancient civilizations.

Application Question (Core-specific free response)

This question requires no prior knowledge of archaeology, only your thinking skills.

Nearly identical ancient metal artifacts (in terms of manufacturing techniques and stylistic elements), dating back to as early as 600 AD have been recovered from excavation sites in both what is now West Mexico and Ecuador (look at a map for a geographical context). Propose a hypothesis for how this is possible. What types of evidence would you look for to support your hypothesis? How would you go about looking for this evidence?