Final answer:
Archaeology is the term for investigating the human past through the excavation and analysis of artifacts. It involves scientific techniques to uncover objects and remains that inform our understanding of ancient societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the investigation of the human past using excavating and analyzing artifacts is Archaeology. This field of study involves a scientific process that includes unearthing artifacts, ecofacts, and other cultural and biological remains from historic and prehistoric sites to better understand past human activities and societies. Archaeological excavation is a meticulous task that can reveal information such as the daily lives, social structures, environmental relationships, and belief systems of ancient peoples. Techniques like chronometric dating methods and dendrochronology are employed to establish the age of the artifacts, enhancing our timeline of human history.
Additionally, this field is strongly linked with disciplines such as anthropology, ethnology, and archaeoastronomy, which allow researchers to gain a broader perspective of human culture and behavior over vast periods. The insights gained from archaeological studies contribute significantly to our understanding of the evolution of human societies and their interplay with the environment. Thus, archaeology is a vital tool in constructing a comprehensive narrative of human history.