Evidence in Ancient History — Reading Comprehension

Archaeologists and historians use evidence from the past to learn about how ancient people lived. These clues can include artifacts, written records, and even the remains of ancient buildings. By carefully studying these sources, scholars uncover the details of daily life, social structure, and beliefs in early civilizations.

Archaeology is the scientific study of material remains. When archaeologists excavate, or dig up, ancient sites, they discover artifacts such as pottery, tools, jewelry, and weapons. For example, in 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. The tomb contained thousands of artifacts, including golden masks, chariots, and carved furniture. These objects revealed much about Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife, their craftsmanship, and the power of their rulers. In Mesopotamia, clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing have been found at the site of Ur. These primary sources record business transactions, laws, and stories, giving historians direct insight into Sumerian society around 2100 BCE.

Geography also affected how people lived. Civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia developed along rivers, which provided water and fertile soil. Archaeological discoveries of irrigation canals and granaries show how controlling water shaped agricultural production and supported large populations. The presence of city walls and weapons among artifacts suggests that protecting resources was important. Social hierarchy is revealed through burial sites: for example, Egyptian pharaohs were buried with rich treasures, while ordinary people had simple graves. This tells us about class divisions and beliefs about the afterlife.

Over time, the methods used to study the past have changed. In the early 1800s, archaeology was more about collecting treasures. Today, archaeologists use careful scientific techniques, such as dating artifacts with chemistry and analyzing soil samples. These approaches help create a more accurate picture of ancient life and ensure that even the smallest clues are not overlooked.

Learning about how ancient people lived connects us to broader themes of human adaptation, technological innovation, and social organization. By studying the evidence left behind, we can understand the achievements and challenges of ancient civilizations, and how geography and resources shaped their world.

Interesting Fact: The world’s oldest known written story, the Epic of Gilgamesh, was discovered on clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia.

Who found King Tutankhamun's tomb?

Where was cuneiform writing found?

What did Egyptian pharaohs get buried with?

Why did civilizations develop near rivers?

How did archaeology change over time?

What do artifacts tell us about?

Clay tablets are a type of artifact. True or false?

What is a 'primary source'?