Tracing the human past: What archaeology really reveals

What can a broken pot or a buried hearth tell us about the lives of people thousands of years ago? Anthropological archaeology is the study of past human cultures through material remains—tools, structures, bones, and artifacts—interpreted through a social and cultural lens. In this lesson, you’ll explore how archaeologists ask questions, interpret evidence, and construct narratives about human life across time. Understanding these methods helps us see the past not as static facts, but as dynamic stories shaped by human choices, environments, and relationships.

Watch the following video and answer the interactive questions: