Theories of Archaeological Interpretation

Theories of archaeological interpretation are frameworks that help archaeologists understand the past by analyzing artifacts and sites. They include themes like cultural history, which emphasizes documenting and understanding cultural changes over time; processual approaches, focusing on understanding how and why societies functioned through scientific methods; and post-processual theories, which consider individual perspectives, social meanings, and subjective experiences. These theories guide archaeologists in forming explanations about ancient societies, their behaviors, and their development, helping us piece together human history in a meaningful way.