Final answer:
Archaeologists date past activities using a variety of methods, including archaeological stratification and relative dating, which help determine the sequence and relative age of events. Absolute dating techniques provide numerical ages. The correlation of multiple dating methods and the use of modern technology like GPS enhance the accuracy of dating archaeological finds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaeological Dating Methods
Archaeologists demonstrate that activities occurred at the same time in the past by employing a variety of dating techniques. One effective approach is to correlate multiple methods of dating, such as typological sequences and archaeological stratification. By correlating data from these methods, archaeologists can provide strong evidence for the specific time period of an archaeological site. Archaeological stratification involves analyzing stratified layers of artifacts, with lower layers assumed to be older than those above, providing a basis for determining the relative age of cultural contexts.
Another method, called relative dating, allows archaeologists and geologists to determine the sequence of events based on their comparative ages, without necessarily knowing the actual numerical age. Objects and features are dated relative to one another, establishing which came first, and which followed. For more specific dating, absolute dating techniques such as the use of radioactive isotopes help in determining the numerical age of archaeological finds.
Moreover, the use of modern technology such as GPS allows for the precise documentation and mapping of archaeological sites, contributing further to the understanding of how human cultures and environments have changed over time.