Question Answering: Principles of Archaeology
- Article Evaluation
- Article Summary. The research article “The Architecture of Access: Ramps at Ancient Greek Healing Sanctuaries” by Debby Sneed endeavored to establish the accessibility of public spaces and amenities using “epigraphic iconographic and literary evidence” (Sneed 2020: 1). The research article sought evidence of attempts to facilitate disabled people’s participation in the fourth and fifth centuries before Christ. The disability study perspective showed how temples and sanctuaries were built to ensure physically impaired access. The study hypothesized that the designing considered the needs of those who could not use the stairs, for instance, the disabled, pregnant, children, and the elderly and constructed ramps for them. The study also shed light on various essential aspects of ancient life that may not have been studied and appreciated.
The disability studies employ the social model that posits that functional impairment is not an individual’s problem, as stated in the medical model. Instead, one is challenged due to the “disabling environment, barriers, and cultural conventions” (Sneed 2020: 2). This approach acknowledges disability as relative depending on the context, place, and time. The eligibility criterion entailed only those with lower body handicaps though the impact depends on the individual or context. The study focused only on how immobility as a barrier has limited the participation of the physically disabled in society. The disability could be intentional to ensure a sedentary lifestyle, for instance, warfare, farming activities, congenital abnormalities, or plagues. According to Sneed (2020: 1), despite the inexistence of civil rights legislation, the architecture made public spaces “readily accessible to and usable.” These structures were essential for individuals with physical disabilities through ramps.
- Personal Reaction to the Article and the Need for Archaeology to Explore these Questions. I believe that understanding our world currently requires comprehending our history back then as they mirror each other. Besides, exploring and understanding how human beings in the past socially and physically adapted to various environments to improve functionality is essential. Such studies provide valuable insights on how to tailor daily living activities to favor everyone in the community. This study has also revealed the human condition and how society functioned in the past, which is central in anthropology.
- Analogies In the Article and another Site or Project. The research article brings out an analogy that in ancient times, the input and rights of the minority groups were appreciated. As seen in Asclepius, a god-physician, the right to healthcare services for all classes was considered in ancient Greek (Gaffney 2017.13). Those who were unable to cater for these services, or those turned away by physicians due to the severity of their ailments were provided with an alternative way of living.
- Symbols
a.. How Archaeologists Recognize that an Artifact if of Great Value to the People Who Used It? Individuals with physical deformities were not discriminated against or seen as outcasts but were seen as authoritative figures and granted respect and power. In Athens, people living with disabilities who were unable to fend for themselves were given a daily allowance despite the absence of social and welfare programs or activists. In addition, the architects and builders of ancient Greece considered the needs of facilities such as stadia and healing sanctuaries. Through such measures, the disabled became more productive and played significant roles in society. With the ramps, social inclusion for all was fostered, for instance, in sports or rituals. The physically disabled were perceived as “generals and kings, worshipped as gods, treated as patients” (Sneed 2020: 7). For instance, the Greeks had a disabled god, Hephaestus, who was aided by a crutch for motility. The power and authority is also seen in literature with the choliambic verse, a “disabled genre of poetry” that was coined due to its “limping metrical qualities.” The impact is also evident in various artistic media that were treasured and stored. Vase paintings such as the “padded dancers or komastai” suggested physical disability whose feet.
- Complex Societies
- How Would Studying a Mobile Site Differ from Studying an Early State Site? In the early state site, fixed stone ramps were common in sanctuaries though they were used as a passage for sacrificial lambs or dedications on the altar or used in building works to convey building materials. However, these were temporary activities and did not require permanent structures to be built. The permanent ramp “represents a significant investment of time, money, and resources for a temporary purpose” (Sneed 2020: 7). Earthen ramps were more likely to be used for building as they are temporary and could not bear the heavyweight of “expensive metal and stone offerings” (Sneed 2020: 8). Heavy building blocks were carried around using cranes and hoists. A specific pattern could be noted in some but not all sanctuaries, which was known as a preponderance of ramps at some sanctuaries and not others. In healing, sanctuaries had more ramps to cater for individuals with a range of illnesses, injuries, and conditions causing immobility than non-healing sanctuaries. For instance, this pattern is evident in the “Asklepios sanctuaries at Epidauros and Corinth” with eleven fixed stone ramps (Sneed 2020: 8). However, in the modern era, ramps are slowly being replaced with elevators or improved in escalators. Accessibility has not only been eased for the disabled but also for everyone. Various social and welfare programs have been designed for people living with disabilities. Activists have also ensured that the disabled’s rights are being adhered to, which was absent in the early state site.
Nonetheless, mobile and early state sites have similarities. A common aspect is the account of the costs of raw materials, labor, and deadlines for construction in the past, as seen in project management in the modern era. Naming buildings and documentation of visitors who sort healing in the past is also seen in most buildings or public facilities in recent times.
- Popular Archaeology
- What is pseudoarcheology, and why are many archaeologists critical of it? Pseudo-anthropology is the false representation of physical, societal, historical, and topographical components of humankind. Many archaeologists criticize this as it explains fantasies or the unknown. The concept is not factual as it lacks scientific or archaeological evidence and focuses on monetary gains.
- An Example of Archaeology in Popular Media. The national geographic featured the ancient town of Pompeii in Rome that is among the world’s most famous archaeological study sites. The feature showcased the unique architecture, buried due to volcanicity in A.D. 79 that have been studied from the 18th century till now. The program showed how archaeologists in the modern era use imaging and chemical analysis of human and animal remains to understand the inhabitants of Pompeii (National Geographic: 2016. n.p)
- Knowing How We Study Archaeology Academically, Is This Portrayal Accurate? Studying archaeology has the theory aspects with books and readings and the practical aspects of the field and lab work. This curriculum ensures learners are acquainted with actual artifacts and learn their deeper meanings and implications. The media, such as television programs or newspapers, has both negative and positive impacts on archaeology. Positively, the media has shared a lot of content on the human condition in the past, and many people have appreciated this knowledge. It has also caused public excitement that has led to many kinds of research and excavations. The media has even contributed to fashion trends related to archaeologists’ attire. Nonetheless, the media has led to the distortion of data that has been preserved for the longest time in their natural forms.
- Ethics and Archaeology
- Why Is the Question “Who Owns the Past?” So Difficult To Answer? Who owns the past is a difficult question as this presents a conflict between the law and morality as many artifacts belong to a particular community but cannot be proven legally. Finding ownership of tangible heritage, such as artifacts, is much better than abstract heritage, such as culture. However, with museums’ advent, heritage items have been shown to have ownership of those who believed and embraced the particular culture.
- Discuss an example where communities disagreed over how to approach archaeological remains or artifacts. Do you disagree or agree with how the problem was handled, or do you have a potential solution to this issue? The Israeli and Palestine have conflicted over ownership of cultural artifacts such as items on the “finds gone astray” exhibition. The Israeli community resorted to displaying their heritage and creating awareness of the dangers of looting or smuggling artifacts (U.S. news, 2019). Displaying the hidden artifacts in museums is a good move as those against its current ownership can publicly demand an investigation. This move can stimulate more research by archaeologists to ensure the right ownership.