From Stone to Metal: An Archaeological Exploration of Ancient Technology

• Week 1: Introduction to ancient technology and the Paleolithic toolkit
  Archaeologists study ancient technology for a number of reasons. They might use ethno-archaeology, experimental archaeology or geo-archaeology to answer their research questions. Ancient technology begins with the earliest Paleolithic stone tools, made more than three million years ago.
• Week 2: Investigating cave paintings and pigments through experimental archaeology
  Studying Paleolithic and Holocene (10,000 BCE–present) cave artwork shows us how prehistoric humans used natural pigments to depict the world around them. We’ll explore the material knowledge needed to create these paintings in a hands-on activity.
• Week 3: The magic and mechanics of ancient lime plaster
  Lime plaster, first made around 12,000 years ago, is one of humankind’s oldest synthetic materials. We still use this technology today. Ancient lime technology was used to make floors, construct walls, create artwork and even prepare agricultural fields.
• Week 4: Science, society and ceramics production
  Ceramic vessels emerged at different times in different cultures. Some archaeologists study the variety of materials ancient potters chose; other archaeologists study social aspects of ceramics production and use. We’ll also explore some early pottery techniques in a hands-on activity.
• Week 5: Ancient metallurgy and the modern environment
  Ancient metallurgy is one of the technologies that has left lasting imprints on our modern climate and environment. Smelting (converting ore to workable metal) with bronze, lead and iron required increasingly hotter furnace temperatures, and increased consumption of fuel resources. 
• Week 6: Learning a craft—students and children in the archaeological record
  Children may have learned different crafts by watching their family members and making “toys.” Apprentices learned their trades in ancient workshops. We’ll also explore how students in ancient Mesopotamia (~3000 BCE–200 CE) practiced their writing skills in a hands-on activity. 

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Define “archaeology” and “experimental archaeology”
• Outline the order in which new technologies were developed by ancient humans
• Give examples of how archaeologists study ancient technology
• Explain how studying ancient technology connects to understanding climate history 

• Lectures
• Participation in discussions
  
• Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
• Viewing films
• Participation in hands-on activities
• Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)

No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.