How does archaeology contribute to modern day society?

Question

I am doing an informative speech, and I am having trouble finding out what it contributes to our society. How does it enhance our lives? I understand that it tells us the past, but what effect does it play on us personally?

Any sources would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

Imagine a world without history; we would have nothing on which to base our society. Without archaeology, history is simply taking the word of the historians, who may have been exaggerating or even lying. Archaeology uncovers the secrets of the past, and may influence modern science and culture by informing us of ancient ways now lost to us including more efficient agricultural techniques (as in Mesoamerica and the Amazon, a puzzle still unsolved), advanced architecture and engineering, and even astronomy and mathematics that in some cases may have been more accurate than out own. Even artistically, the people of today are constantly inspired by the art and designs of the ancient world.

Answer 2

We wouldn't know much about ancient egyptian culture if we did not 'dig it up'. Movies like 'the mummy' and the like would have never been made and therefore the lack of influence of such a movie would have changed society. Same with all the different ancient societies. Many aspects of own culture(USA at least) are influenced by our desire to understand and glorify our ancient brethren. Movies have a great impact on society as does knowing that these ancient societies, what they went through and the disasters that destroyed them. Take Pompeii for example. We all know volcanoes are dangerous, but many of us would not take it as seriously if the understanding of this disaster was left to their graves. Much of our understanding of earth's changes are due to the ancient civilizations and their how they lived in their environment. We, now, in our modern society have decided to keep records of such events because it is so important to the continuity of our civilization. I know many civilizations kept records, and thankfully so. Next time you go out just take a hard look around and wonder what life would be like if we knew nothing about our ancient brethren. Take anything that would relate to these ancient cultures and know that it would not be there if such archeology had not taken place. It would be a very different world. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Theres any essay of Bertand Russell about the uses of history... Maybe you find a good answer there. Have you read Jorge Luis Borges? In one of his stories he makes a good trick: The hero of a revolution could be the worst traitor, so you will never know. History could be false. But it has an use... I belive it makes your more skeptic... and the good and bad examples of the past give you some light into deep questions: who we are your are and where are the boundaries of men.

There is also a sentiment of the real. When I read about Fouche I could understand what politics is in my time, there are some histories about what goes always in society. And that feeling, history!

Answer 4

It helps us better understand events that occurred before us.

Modern society is based on the foundation of its history, that's why history is important. Archeology is part of that history.

Also, archeology is is good because it keeps us humble. We think that we are so smart in our modern world, but we're not as much as we think. Some inventions that have only been remade in the last century or even the last few decades were known thousands of years ago.

The Romans had ball barrings. They performed brain surgery, and the tools are almost identical to those used by doctors today.

Answer 5

It doesn't really contribute anything; Its merely interesting to know about our past and where we come from...