What is Archaeology?

What do archaeologists really do?

Archaeology is the study of the material remains and environmental effects of human behaviour: evidence which can range from buried cities to microscopic organisms and covers all periods from the origins of humans millions of years ago to the remains of 20th and 21st century industry and warfare. It provides us with the only source of information about many aspects of our development. Milestones such as the beginning of agriculture, the origin of towns, or the discovery of metals, can only be understood through the examination of physical evidence. Archaeology also provides essential information for periods of the past for which written records survive.

Archaeology links with many subjects, including geography, history, social sciences, maths, physics, biology, chemistry, art, religion, and technology.

We have tried to answer the most common questions that we receive in the following sections of this ‘What is archaeology?’ FAQ (a copy of the whole FAQ is available to download from our factsheets page):

• Where do archaeologists work?
• What do archaeologists do?
• Are there many job opportunities?
• Can I get involved in archaeology without having a career as an archaeologist?
• How can I get started?
• I am considering archaeology at university, what should I do?
• How can I find out more?

More answers can be found on the main FAQ page.