RS#02: Background on Prehistory and Archaeology
Prehistory is the period of time before written records were kept. In order to study
civilizations that existed before the invention of writing, historians rely on artifacts.
Artifacts are objects that were made by humans or natural objects that humans
modified for their use.
Archaeology is the study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures through the
analysis of their artifacts. Archaeologists study human history and culture. They
unearth and study the evidence left behind by ancient peoples. This evidence can
include ancient cities and temples, sculpture and pottery, ancient writing and tools, and
even burial sites. Studying and analyzing these objects and their location may tell
archaeologists something about the people who lived where the objects were found. By
carefully examining artifacts from the past, they can try to describe the beliefs, customs,
and knowledge of past societies.
Prehistory: the period in history before writing was invented
Archaeologists: scientists who study artifacts to learn about past cultures
Artifacts: three-dimensional objects made by or changed by humans and removed from
the ground
Answer the following:
1. How do historians learn about the past?
2. What are artifacts?
3. Why are archaeologists and artifacts important to the study of history?
RS#03: Document A – The Standard of Ur
Study the picture of the artifact to answer the questions. Be sure to answer each
question carefully and thoroughly. Use evidence from the pictures to support your
answers.
The so-called “Standard of Ur.” Frame: wood; mosaic: shell, red limestone, lapis lazuli
and bitumen, Sumerian artwork, ca. 2600-2400 BC. From tomb 779, Ur.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Standard_of_ur.jpg
1. What do you think this artifact is? Why?
2. What kinds of pictures or symbols are depicted on the artifact? What do you
think they mean?
3. Who might have created the artifact and for what purpose? Why do you think
so?
RS#04: Document B – The Standing Male Worshiper
Study the picture of the artifact to answer the questions. Be sure to answer each
question carefully and thoroughly. Use evidence from the pictures to support your
answers.
Votive figure [an object offered in fulfillment of
a vow]: Standing male worshiper, 2750-2600 B.C
Mesopotamia, Eshnunna (modern Tell Asmar)
Alabaster (gypsum), shell, black limestone,
bitumen; H. 29.5 cm
1. What do you think the artifact is? Why?
2. Describe the appearance of the figure. What could you learn about this culture
from the artifact?
3. Who might have created the artifact and for what purpose? Why do you think
so?