CLA260H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Classical Archaeology
Document Summary
Provenience: the find"s location (specified both horizontally and vertically) within the matrix. Note in passing that provenience" as used by archaeologists is more specific to location within an archaeological context. Than provenance" (as used e. g. in museums or auction houses), which implies the full history of an object"s manufacture, deposition, discovery and ownership. What survives from antiquity: some materials are just much more likely to survive in the archaeological record than others. Survival/preservation depends not just on the nature of the material itself, but on how and where it is deposited. Generally speaking, organic materials only survive in unusual, extreme (principally waterlogged or very arid) environments. Some materials may be reused, which may affect their chances of survival (e. g. building stone, many metals).