Archaeology of the Contemporary World

Archaeology of the Contemporary World studies recent history and cultures through material remains from the modern era—such as buildings, artifacts, and digital artifacts—usually from the 20th century onward. It aims to understand how contemporary societies have shaped their environments, identities, and histories. This approach often focuses on recent events, technology, and social change, offering insights into current and recent past life that traditional archaeology, which often concentrates on ancient civilizations, might overlook. It emphasizes the importance of documenting and interpreting contemporary material culture to better understand our ongoing human story.