,AGE3702
ASSIGNMENT 4 PORTFOLIO
DUE DATE: 5 OCTOBER 2026
FOR MORE ASSIGNMENTS & ASSISTANCE WHATSAPP
0662594903
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Archaeology and the study of past societies
1.1.1 Archaeology differs from history in the evidence it uses
Archaeology and history are both concerned with understanding the human past, but they
approach the past through different types of evidence. History traditionally relies strongly on
written and documentary sources, such as letters, government records, newspapers,
diaries, photographs and other written accounts. Archaeology, in contrast, investigates the
physical remains and traces that people left behind. These may include stone tools, pottery,
animal bones, plant remains, fireplaces, buildings, graves, rock paintings and layers of
archaeological deposits (Renfrew & Bahn, 2012).
This difference makes archaeology especially important when studying communities that
did not leave written records. The absence of written documents does not mean that these
communities had no history. Their history can instead be reconstructed from the material
evidence associated with their activities. For example, stone tools can provide information
about technology, animal bones can provide information about diet, and settlement remains
can reveal how people used and organised their living spaces.
Archaeology can also provide information about ordinary people whose experiences may
not have been recorded in written historical sources. Written records are often produced by
governments, religious institutions, wealthy individuals or other groups with access to
writing. Archaeological evidence can therefore help researchers investigate the lives of
communities that may have been overlooked by conventional historical records (Renfrew &
Bahn, 2012).
Kruger Cave demonstrates the importance of this approach. The archaeological deposits
and Later Stone Age material at the site provide evidence of human occupation and
activities from periods for which there are no written records produced by the people
themselves. The rock art also contributes information about symbolic and cultural practices.
Archaeology therefore allows researchers to reconstruct aspects of the lives, behaviour and
beliefs of communities that cannot be understood through written history alone (Bradfield et
al., 2022).
ASSIGNMENT 4 PORTFOLIO
DUE DATE: 5 OCTOBER 2026
FOR MORE ASSIGNMENTS & ASSISTANCE WHATSAPP
0662594903
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Archaeology and the study of past societies
1.1.1 Archaeology differs from history in the evidence it uses
Archaeology and history are both concerned with understanding the human past, but they
approach the past through different types of evidence. History traditionally relies strongly on
written and documentary sources, such as letters, government records, newspapers,
diaries, photographs and other written accounts. Archaeology, in contrast, investigates the
physical remains and traces that people left behind. These may include stone tools, pottery,
animal bones, plant remains, fireplaces, buildings, graves, rock paintings and layers of
archaeological deposits (Renfrew & Bahn, 2012).
This difference makes archaeology especially important when studying communities that
did not leave written records. The absence of written documents does not mean that these
communities had no history. Their history can instead be reconstructed from the material
evidence associated with their activities. For example, stone tools can provide information
about technology, animal bones can provide information about diet, and settlement remains
can reveal how people used and organised their living spaces.
Archaeology can also provide information about ordinary people whose experiences may
not have been recorded in written historical sources. Written records are often produced by
governments, religious institutions, wealthy individuals or other groups with access to
writing. Archaeological evidence can therefore help researchers investigate the lives of
communities that may have been overlooked by conventional historical records (Renfrew &
Bahn, 2012).
Kruger Cave demonstrates the importance of this approach. The archaeological deposits
and Later Stone Age material at the site provide evidence of human occupation and
activities from periods for which there are no written records produced by the people
themselves. The rock art also contributes information about symbolic and cultural practices.
Archaeology therefore allows researchers to reconstruct aspects of the lives, behaviour and
beliefs of communities that cannot be understood through written history alone (Bradfield et
al., 2022).
