Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

Unit 1 – European Explorers: Voyages and Discoveries

Unit 2 – Indigenous Encounters in Age of Exploration

Unit 3 – Underwater Archaeology: Exploring Shipwrecks

Unit 4 – Early Colonial Cities and Settlements

Unit 5 – Maritime Technology in Exploration

Unit 6 – Trade Routes and Economic Systems

Unit 7 – Cultural Exchanges in Exploration Era

Unit 8 – Missions and Christianity's Global Spread

Unit 9 – Conquest and Colonialism in Exploration

Unit 10 – Archaeological Methods in History

Unit 11 – Ethical Issues: Age of Exploration Studies

## What do you learn in Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

You'll explore how archaeology sheds light on the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries). The course covers maritime archaeology, colonial settlements, trade networks, and cultural exchanges. You'll study shipwrecks, artifacts, and archaeological sites from European expeditions to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It's all about understanding how these voyages shaped the modern world through material evidence.

## Is Archaeology of the Age of Exploration hard?

It's not a walk in the park, but it's not impossibly tough either. The course involves a lot of reading and memorizing historical facts, which can be a bit overwhelming. The real challenge comes from connecting archaeological evidence to historical events and understanding complex cultural interactions. If you're into history and don't mind getting your hands dirty with some data analysis, you'll do fine.

## Tips for taking Archaeology of the Age of Exploration in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create timelines to visualize the chronology of explorations and archaeological discoveries
3. Practice identifying artifacts from different cultures and time periods
4. Join study groups to discuss and debate interpretations of archaeological evidence
5. Visit local museums with Age of Exploration exhibits to see artifacts firsthand
6. Watch documentaries like "Secrets of the Dead: Jamestown's Dark Winter" for context
7. Read "1491" by Charles C. Mann for a broader understanding of pre-Columbian Americas

## Common pre-requisites for Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

1. Introduction to Archaeology: This course covers basic archaeological methods, theories, and practices. You'll learn about excavation techniques, dating methods, and how to interpret archaeological data.

2. World History to 1500: This class provides a broad overview of global historical developments up to the start of the Age of Exploration. It sets the stage for understanding the cultural and political contexts of the explorations.

## Classes similar to Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

1. Maritime Archaeology: Focuses on underwater archaeology and the study of shipwrecks. You'll learn about techniques for excavating and preserving underwater sites.

2. Colonial Archaeology: Examines archaeological evidence from European colonial settlements worldwide. This course delves into the material culture of colonialism and its impact on indigenous populations.

3. Historical Archaeology: Combines archaeological methods with historical records to study more recent past. You'll learn how to use both material and written evidence to interpret historical events.

4. Archaeology of Trade and Exchange: Explores how archaeological evidence reveals ancient and historical trade networks. You'll study how goods, ideas, and technologies spread across cultures through trade.

## Majors related to Archaeology of the Age of Exploration

1. Archaeology: Focuses on the study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts and physical remains. Students learn field methods, lab techniques, and theoretical approaches to interpreting the past.

2. Anthropology: Examines human cultures, societies, and behaviors across time and space. Students study cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological aspects of human experience.

3. History: Concentrates on understanding and interpreting past events, societies, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze primary and secondary sources.

4. Museum Studies: Prepares students for careers in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Students learn about curation, conservation, education, and exhibition design.

## What can you do with a degree in Archaeology of the Age of Exploration?

1. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages museum collections, plans exhibitions, and conducts research. Curators specializing in Age of Exploration artifacts might work in maritime or colonial history museums.

2. Cultural Resource Manager: Protects and preserves archaeological sites and historical resources. They might work on projects related to shipwrecks or colonial-era sites, ensuring their proper documentation and preservation.

3. Historical Archaeologist: Conducts excavations and analyzes artifacts from historical periods. They might work on sites related to early European settlements or trade outposts from the Age of Exploration.

4. Heritage Tourism Specialist: Develops and manages historical tourism programs and sites. They might create educational experiences at reconstructed colonial settlements or maritime museums.

## Archaeology of the Age of Exploration FAQs

1. Do we go on any field trips? Many professors organize visits to local museums or nearby archaeological sites, but it depends on your location and the specific course.

2. How much math is involved? There's some basic math for dating techniques and statistical analysis, but it's not a major focus of the course.

3. Can I specialize in Age of Exploration archaeology? While it's a specific area, you can focus on it through your choice of research projects and potentially in graduate studies.

Anthropology

Archaeology

1.3 Ferdinand Magellan

1.5 Francisco Pizarro

1.4 Hernán Cortés

1.6 English explorers

1.7 French explorers

1.8 Dutch explorers

1.1 Christopher Columbus

1.2 Vasco da Gama

2.3 Maya civilization

2.5 Caribbean indigenous societies

2.6 Polynesian societies

2.7 African societies

2.4 North American indigenous societies

2.1 Aztec civilization

2.2 Inca civilization

3.1 Spanish shipwrecks

3.2 Portuguese shipwrecks

3.3 English shipwrecks

3.4 Dutch shipwrecks

3.5 Underwater excavation techniques

3.7 Maritime law and salvage rights

3.6 Conservation of underwater artifacts

4.5 Dutch colonial settlements

4.6 Urban planning in colonial cities

4.7 Fortifications and defense systems

4.1 Spanish colonial settlements

4.2 Portuguese colonial settlements

4.3 English colonial settlements

4.4 French colonial settlements

5.4 Celestial navigation

5.5 Navigational challenges and solutions

5.6 Advancements in maritime technology

5.1 Ship design and construction

5.3 Cartography and mapmaking

5.2 Navigation instruments

6.1 Transatlantic trade

6.2 Transpacific trade

6.3 Spice trade

6.4 Slave trade

6.5 Mercantilism

6.6 Triangular trade

6.7 Economic impacts of colonialism

7.1 Columbian exchange

7.2 Syncretism and cultural fusion

7.3 Language contact and pidgins

7.4 Art and cultural influences

7.5 Food and culinary exchanges

7.6 Cultural resistance and adaptation

8.2 Protestant missions

8.3 Conversion and religious syncretism

8.4 Missions and colonialism

8.5 Resistance to religious conversion

8.6 Legacy of religious missions

8.1 Catholic missions

9.1 Spanish conquest of the Americas

9.2 Portuguese colonialism

9.3 British imperialism

9.4 French colonialism

9.5 Dutch colonialism

9.6 Resistance to colonialism

9.7 Legacies of colonialism

10.1 Excavation methods

10.2 Artifact analysis

10.3 Stratigraphy and dating

10.4 Zooarchaeology and paleobotany

10.7 Historical document analysis

10.5 Archaeometallurgy

10.6 Geoarchaeology

11.1 Repatriation of cultural artifacts

11.2 Indigenous rights and heritage

11.3 Looting and illicit antiquities trade

11.4 Colonialism and its impact on archaeology

11.5 Collaborative and community-based archaeology

11.6 Ethical standards in archaeological research

Browse all Archaeology of the Age of Exploration Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next