Find one aspect of an ancient culture to study. Identify the name of the culture, its geographic location (in modern terms), and the time span
Find information on an ancient state society/civilization that you find interesting. It can be any culture that we know of archaeologically, from the earliest states to more recent historically recorded states (so, choose a culture that falls between the Sumerians and the Incas—if you’re stuck, see a list of suggestions below). Literate and/or historically known cultures count, since historical archaeology is a subdiscipline of archaeology in which the culture being studied was literate—such as the Sumerians, for example.
You must not choose a modern ethnographic culture.
If you’re stuck, think about the following options (in no particular order, and missing several): Akkadians, Sumerians, Egyptians, Harappan/Indus River civilizations, Shang, Minoan, Mycenaean, Ghanan, Hittite, Longshan, Tiwanaku, Monte Alban, Moche, Olmec, Mayan, Wari, Cahokia, Wanka, Aztecs, Benin, Peru/Caral, and Inca.
Still stuck? You can look at this archaeology website archaeology.about.com to “mine” for ideas to start off with.
You can study any one aspect of your chosen culture. Narrow down your choice to just one very specific element. You will write up what you learned about this particular aspect. You will also be required to note the specific evidence that archaeologists used as the basis for their interpretation (how do we know how they lived?). For example, you could research the games that were played by ancient Egyptians and discuss the game boards that were found, or the fashions preferred in Minoan times, and reference their art, showing how the figures were dressed. You could discuss any aspect of religion, including specific gods or rituals, and reference the writings that were found (or the physical evidence for rituals).
Remember that your sources must be reputable academic sources. This excludes sites such as Wikipedia or travel sites.
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Instructions:
Find one aspect of an ancient culture to study (see the suggestions above or find your own). Identify the name of the culture, its geographic location (in modern terms), and the time span it existed. (1 mark)
Research one aspect of the culture you find interesting and describe it in a detailed 350-word paragraph (the word limit applies only to this paragraph). Choose ONE specific aspect only—make sure you are focusing on one particular trait and describe it from as many aspects as you can. You will need to draw upon at least two reputable academic sources. (5 marks)
Note the archaeological evidence for the cultural trait you’re describing. In other words, how do we know that the culture was like that? What did archaeologists find that help us understand this trait? Make sure to give the name and date for one important site. (5 marks)
Remember to cite your sources in your written paragraph, using the modified APA format (author, year, page/paragraph #). You must also include a reference list at the end of your work (placed after the last paragraph) that matches all the sources you used (listed alphabetically). (2 marks)
Keep to a 800-word limit for your entire post, including the summary. If you significantly exceed the length parameters listed, you will lose marks. Make sure to check spelling and grammar! (1 mark)
Do not use more than 1-2 quotes. Put all other information in your own words (paraphrase) and cite it.
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