Why is archaeology important? We
already know that history is an interpretation of the past based on ancient/old
writings. But as we have discovered in North America, written history goes back
only a few centuries; and, throughout the world, writings on stone and clay
tablets are only a few millennia old.
Our understanding of the human past, for which the printed record
is nonexistent or minimal, is based on a material record. Archaeology examines
this record and gives us access to the entire range of human experience,
spanning more than 14,000 years in North America and learn about countless
cultures.
So much can be gained from archaeological remains that could not
be learnt from other sources such as historic documents, photographs or
newspapers. Sometimes, the information from archaeological deposits even
contradicts what we thought we knew.
Recovering this knowledge may prove vital to our own survival. By
increasing our understanding and appreciation of the achievements of ancient
cultures archaeology can provide a significant boost to our heritage and
tourism.