YoU AnD YoUr TeAm HaVe BeEn TrUdGiNg ThRoUgH ThIcK JuNgLe FoR AlMoSt A WeEk The journey has been tough The path is steep and the ground uneven Colorful birds chirp from above as you climb Thousands of years ago a king and his subjects ruled these lands You’ve poured over maps and ancient writings for many months You’ve been trying to find where to search for the remains of this lost nation Your research brought you here Suddenly you notice a slab of stone emerging from the ground It is covered with moss and dirt As you clean the slab you uncover a line of writing Your heart leaps Could this be an ancient artifact With shovels and brushes you begin to dig for more Your team will help uncover a lost civilization from the objects its people left behind This discovery is far more than an old rock It is a window into history 5
chapter WhAt ArE ANCIENT ARTIFACTS An artifact is an object that was created by humans long ago Many artifacts are buried underground Others were buried but became exposed by wind rain and other forces of erosion Archaeologists search for artifacts on the surface and underground An artifact can tell researchers much about the civilization that used it For example medicines show which illnesses people suffered Art shows what was important to a society Weapons can give clues about how people hunted or fought in wars Once artifacts are found they are often removed and transported to labs or museums This must be done with great care Temperature changes humidity and improper handling can harm artifacts It is archaeologists job to take care of artifacts as they handle them The amazing items these scientists find are hugely important They teach us about the world and the people who lived long before us 1 6
Not all artifacts remain intact over time Those made from harder materials are often what survive This can include pottery jewelry tools and more 77
