Why Do Ancient Artifacts Rarely Get Preserved or Survive Through Time (c. 2000 BC - 1000 BC)?

The question of why ancient artifacts do not survive through time, particularly the period between 2000 BC and 1000 BC, is a fascinating one. This period saw significant cultural, technological, and societal changes. However, despite the advancements, many artifacts from this era are not preserved. This article aims to explore the reasons why ancient artifacts do not survive and how they can be preserved for future generations.

Recycling and Disposal Practices

One of the primary reasons ancient artifacts rarely get preserved is the practice of recycling. Items made of valuable materials like metals and precious stones were frequently recycled to make new objects. Metals, such as bronze and iron, could be reused indefinitely, and pottery could be ground up to make new pottery. Gold coins were often reminted, ensuring that valuable metals were continuously repurposed, leaving fewer artifacts from earlier periods.

Decay of Organic Materials

Organic materials, such as rope baskets, reeds, parchment, wood, and animal glue, are highly susceptible to rot and decay. Papyrus and other types of parchment can deteriorate quickly, especially in humid or acidic environments. Natural materials like wood and bone, which were less valuable, were often discarded due to their flimsy nature and tendency to break down over time. As a result, fewer organic artifacts have survived to modern times.

Natural and Anthropogenic Forces

In addition to recycling and the decay of organic materials, natural and anthropogenic factors have also contributed to the deterioration of ancient artifacts. For instance, volcanic eruptions, fires, and floods can destroy artifacts rapidly if they occur in areas where items were buried with low oxygen exposure. Metals, although more durable, can oxidize and rust over time, particularly in areas with high humidity.

Bones can also shatter or wear away over time, and they rarely fossilize, even when they do, they can still shatter or erode due to geological processes. Erosion and the weight of accumulated debris on top of buried artifacts further exacerbate their deterioration. As a result, many artifacts from this period may have been destroyed completely over time by the forces of nature or human activity.

Artifacts Are Continuously Recovered

It is important to note that even though many artifacts from 2000 BC to 1000 BC may not have survived, countless thousands of objects have been preserved and can be found in museums and archaeological sites. These artifacts, often in damaged condition, are valuable to modern archaeologists. The very items you might throw away, like old furniture, computers, clothing, or old books and magazines, could have immense value to archaeologists of the future. These items may be discarded today, but they may be forgotten treasures in the future.

Artifacts that are still useful are often kept in use, while those that are not are discarded. Even if discarded properly in a trash heap or pit, they have a higher chance of being recovered by archaeologists in the future. However, if discarded haphazardly, the likelihood of recovery decreases significantly.

Certain cultures have burial practices where favorite artifacts are included with the deceased, increasing the likelihood of their preservation. In such cases, archaeologists have a better chance of recovering complete pieces. These burial practices are important to understand because they highlight the cultural values and rituals of past societies.

The Myth of Unpreserved Artifacts

Another common myth is that ancient artifacts are rarely preserved. In reality, true artifacts are some of the most often preserved items. This is evident in the history of eBay, which began as a business model for artifact preservation. The PEZ Dispenser company also capitalized on the artifact preservation market as a startup.

To conclude, while many ancient artifacts from 2000 BC to 1000 BC may not have survived, the preservation of many others ensures that we can still learn about the past. Understanding the reasons behind the survival or loss of these artifacts helps us appreciate the value of proper preservation methods and the cultural significance of archaeology.