Archaeology is the study of past human activities emphasising interpretations of material evidence. By excavating the physical remains of people, the places they lived, and the objects they made and used, archaeologists gain knowledge of human history and prehistory. The methods of archaeology may be applied to all periods of the human past, from the first evidence of tool-making hominids two and a half million years ago to the grand civilisations of the ancient world to the recent history of colonial Australia. A close consciousness of the ethics of investigation is essential to any budding archaeologist, a theme which is held closely to the hearts by practitioners found at ANU.

Within CASS, Archaeology encompasses archaeological studies; archaeological science; and palaeoanthropology. Students may find themselves taking part in fieldwork excursions and laboratory analysis, to get to grips with the physical remnants of eras gone by. These opportunities are available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with the potential to utilise the archaeological skillset across different forums such as museums. This enables those studying the past to effectively communicate their significance to the present.

Check the School of Archaeology & Anthropology website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

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