Learn more about becoming an archaeologist. They do share methods and tools and sometimes work on the same sites - especially where human remains are found alongside extinct species. It also differs from paleontology in that this area studies fossils of extinct species and not humans or human ancestors. The key differences between the two disciplines are outlined below. In the case of archaeological data, which document the archaeological record, the digital files encapsulate the combined efforts of the archaeological and scientific community, the public and private funds used to carry out research, as well as descriptions and analyses of the material from the ancient and historical cultures studied.
Today, professional archaeologists study both the prehistoric and the historic period, although those who study the distant past are more likely to be anthropologists than archaeologists.
It began in Europe around the late 17 th century, studying ancient monuments and sites with the expressed purpose of discovering artifacts and treasures and putting them on display. It mostly looks at material remains but has recently evolved to examine landscapes and concepts of topography, providing a crossover with both human geography and environmental studies.
Simply, archaeology is the study of people in the past, their activities and actions, cultural practices, tools and technological development, and in some cases (where possible) their superstitious and religious practices, expression of their cultural identity and other beliefs about themselves or the world around them (1).