Final answer:
Archaeology is the investigation of the human past through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, seeking to understand the lifestyles and societal organization of ancient peoples using scientific approaches and techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
The investigation of the human past through excavating and analyzing artifacts is known as archaeology. Archaeologists conduct meticulous excavations to uncover artifacts and other biological and cultural remains from both historic and prehistoric human-inhabited sites. By examining these materials, which include tools, pottery, and fossils, they aim to understand how ancient peoples lived, how they met their basic needs, and how they organized their societies. This field uses several scientific approaches like chronometric dating methods and dendrochronology to accurately date the discoveries and interpret the past.
Techniques such as archaeological excavation and fieldwork are essential for learning about how humans interacted with their environment and shaped their own evolution and social development. Additionally, the integration of oral traditions and advanced scientific technology in contemporary archaeology and art history highlights the importance of respecting the cultural and familial connections inherent in artifacts and ancestral items, acknowledging that these are not just objects but remainders of real people's lives.