Matrices

Definition

In archaeology, matrices refer to the contextual layers of soil and artifacts found during excavation. They are crucial for understanding the relationships between different layers and the chronological order of human activity in a site, particularly in Viking settlements where stratigraphy helps reveal patterns of habitation and usage over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Matrices help archaeologists establish a timeline of occupation and usage by providing a clear picture of how artifacts relate to their surrounding layers.
2. Understanding matrices is essential for interpreting the spatial organization of Viking settlements, revealing how different areas were utilized over time.
3. Excavating a matrix involves careful recording of layers to avoid losing context, which is vital for accurate analysis.
4. Artifacts found within the same matrix are often analyzed together to determine their cultural significance and usage patterns.
5. The study of matrices can reveal environmental changes that may have influenced Viking settlement patterns, such as climate shifts or resource availability.

Review Questions

• How do matrices contribute to our understanding of Viking settlement patterns?
  • Matrices provide vital information about the chronological sequence of human activity within Viking settlements. By analyzing the layers of soil and associated artifacts, archaeologists can reconstruct how different areas were used over time. This helps to identify changes in settlement patterns and activity areas, providing insight into the social and economic dynamics of Viking communities.
• Discuss the importance of maintaining the integrity of matrices during excavation and analysis.
  • Maintaining the integrity of matrices during excavation is crucial because it ensures that the context of each artifact remains intact. When excavators disturb a matrix without proper documentation, they risk losing important relationships between artifacts and their surrounding layers. This loss can lead to misinterpretations about the site's history and cultural practices, ultimately affecting our understanding of Viking life.
• Evaluate the role of matrices in connecting archaeological findings to broader historical narratives about Viking society.
  • Matrices play a key role in linking archaeological findings to broader historical narratives by revealing how human behaviors are reflected in physical remains over time. By examining the stratigraphy and contextual relationships within matrices, researchers can draw conclusions about social structures, economic activities, and environmental interactions in Viking society. This analytical approach enables a deeper understanding of how Vikings adapted to their surroundings and how their culture evolved, allowing us to construct more comprehensive historical accounts.

Related terms

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock and soil layers, used to determine the sequence of historical events based on the layering of materials.

Context: The circumstances surrounding an artifact's discovery, including its location, layer, and relationship to other artifacts, which provide insight into its significance.

Site Formation Processes: The natural and cultural processes that affect how archaeological sites are formed, preserved, and changed over time, influencing the material found within matrices.