Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

Many famous archeological excavations have happened in Egypt, and the artifacts recovered from these digs are some of the

best known in the world. Egypt had a thriving civilization long before many countries even existed. This civilization

produced some of the best-known buildings, sculptures, and art found in the world.

Three of the most recognized artifacts from Ancient Egypt are the Great Pyramids. The Great Pyramids are located in Giza.

Three successive rulers during the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt had these impressive structures created. The rulers, Khufu,

Chefron, and Mycerinus wanted magnificent tombs built to hold their remains when they died.

These pyramids contained amazing artifacts that reflected the very best that the Egyptian society produced at the time.

Not only were precious works of art included in the tombs, other artifacts such as furniture and jewelry were sealed within

the pyramids. In fact, sadly servants were also often sealed within the pyramids, supposedly to aid the rulers in the

afterlife.

No discussion of Ancient Egyptian artifacts would be complete without mentioning the famous King Tut. King Tutankhamen was

only a child when he came to power in 1361 B.C. One theory is that he was assassinated as a teen since he died from a head

wound, although no one knows for certain what happened. In 1922, the tomb of King "Tut" was discovered by Howard Carter, a

British archeologist. The tomb of King Tutankhamen contained many priceless artifacts, including jewelry, furniture, and a

famous gold mask.

Another Ancient Egyptian artifact still standing today is the Great Sphinx. Connected to King Chephren's pyramid, the Great

Sphinx depicts the face of the Pharaoh on the body of a lion. Scholars believe the Great Sphinx was created to guard the

burial grounds. This massive structure is 65 feet tall and 200 feet long. Although time has worn at the features, the Great

Sphinx is still an amazing artifact from long ago.

The Rosetta Stone is a famous and historically significant artifact. This artifact was found in 1799. The writing on this

stone made it possible to translate the meaning of hieroglyphics. Believed to have been created in 196 B.C., the stone

contains a royal decree written in three languages. The languages included on the stone are hieroglyphics, Greek, and an

ancient Egyptian alphabet language called demotic. In 1822, the text on the Rosetta Stone was translated. Thanks to this

translation, scholars then had a way to decipher hieroglyphics.

Queen Nefertiti is remembered because of an artifact found in a sculptor's house. The bust of Queen Nefertiti is considered

to be unique because it depicts her in realistic detail. The sculptor, Thutmose, probably created the bust for others to

copy. Many other busts and artifacts also were found in the sculptor's house when it was uncovered in 1912. The bust of

Queen Nefertiti, one of the most famous artifacts from Ancient Egypt, currently resides in the Altes Museum in Berlin.

When it comes to amazing artifacts detailing past civilizations, Ancient Egypt produced countless treasures. Many museums

throughout the world display artifacts from this civilization, making it possible for people worldwide to see for themselves

the beauty that was Ancient Egypt.

Determining the Age of Artifacts

When you tour a museum and see a display of artifacts, you probably wonder how old the artifacts are. Archeologists feel the

same way. When they discover artifacts, they want to determine how old they are. By knowing how old an artifact is, the

archeologists can learn more about the people who created the artifact. They'll have a better idea what life was like during

that time period.

Archeologists use several methods to determine the age of artifacts. Because these objects help archeologists, researchers,

and sociologists learn about ancient civilizations, it's important to know how old found artifacts are.

When they uncover an ancient artifact, archeologists try to determine its numerical or chronological age by analyzing the

chemical and physical characteristics of the object. A variety of tests exist, and the test that is used often depends on

the projected age of the object and the material from which the object is made.

Since the middle of the twentieth century, some archeologists and scientists have looked to atom behavior as a means of

determining the age of certain materials. One method often used is radiocarbon dating, also called carbon-14 dating.

Radiocarbon dating was an important discovery made during the 1900s. It has greatly aided archeologists in their quest for

more information about the artifacts they discover.

Radiocarbon dating was discovered by Professor Libby of the University of Chicago following World War II. The way Radiocarbon

dating works is that it measures the radioactive decay of carbon-14 and can be used to tell the age of organic artifacts.

Researches measure how much carbon-14 exists in the artifact. This measurement then enables them to determine the age of the

artifact.

Not all artifacts can be tested with Radiocarbon dating. Another method used is Potassium-argon dating. Potassium-argon

dating can be used with non-organic materials, such as rocks. Moreover, it can test the age of rocks that much older than

the organic artifacts that can be tested with Radiocarbon dating.

Although organic artifacts cannot be tested this way, the way rocks are dated using the Potassium-argon method is that as

potassium breaks down over time, it becomes a gas called argon-40. Since scientists know the rate at which potassium decays,

they can compare the potassium to argon ratio in rock and determine the age.

Potassium-argon testing is perfect to use on non-organic materials because it allows scientists to date much older materials

than radiocarbon dating. When artifacts are made of rock, such as rudimentary tools and utensils, they can be examined using

this method.

Many other methods are used by archeologists and scientists to determine the age of artifacts. Some methods consider the

amount of heat the artifacts have been exposed to by the sun or fire. As technology progresses, more methods of determining

the age of artifacts are being discovered.

All of these methods, both old and new, are used by archeologists to uncover more information about the way people used to

live many centuries ago. With this information, we get an invaluable glimpse into the past.

Is It Appropriate to Decorate With Artifacts?

So you just returned from a great trip to Mexico and while you were there, you managed to find several artifacts that you

were able to stow away with you in your bags. You think they are beautiful pieces and would like to display them in your

home so you can see the artifacts on a daily basis while showing your guests what cool items you found on your vacation.

But do you really think it is a good idea to decorate your home with ancient artifacts? Sure, it is a very cool memento of

your vacation, but have you ever stopped and thought of what those artifacts mean to the people of that land. You may not

want to have it in your home after all.

Think of it this way, how would you feel if people from other countries decorated their homes with pieces of the World Trade

Center Towers. Yes, a very dramatic comparison, but to the people of those countries, the artifacts have more history and

meaning in them that you could never imagine or understand.

So, if you are thinking about decorating with artifacts you have found during your travels, take heed. People also feel that

decorating with artifacts can bring bad karma into your house and possibly haunt you. This all depends on what you really

believe in, but is worth it to think about when deciding what to do with the artifacts.

Instead, it may be a wiser move to instead purchase knick knacks or statues from the countries you visit. They would be a

constant reminder of your trip and can complement your home’s décor if you choose wisely. Then, you will not have to worry

about offending future house guests with your artifacts and instead can focus on discussing your past trips and experiences

rather than stick up for your choices.

So, what should you do with the artifacts you already have? Well, you could donate them to a museum or find a way to donate

them to a local college or university that can find the appropriate uses for them and possibly use them in their classes

dealing with the subject matter the artifacts represent.

Donating the artifacts will also show that you are interested in making sure that others can learn from your artifacts and

will be able to see a piece of history up close and personal. That way, you will be looked at as a person who is concerned

with education rather than someone who is only interested in what your home looks like without concerns for other cultures.

Next time, think wisely about what you bring home with you. If you would get offended by it if the tables were turned, do

not do it. It goes back to the old adage, treat others like you would like to be treated. That goes for ancient people as

well. They still have ancestors who are looking out for them today and still want to give them the respect they deserve.

The Titanic Artifact Exhibit

When people think about artifacts, they often only consider ancient artifacts from many centuries ago. They rarely think of

modern artifacts. But artifacts are any objects made by humans. Scientists study these artifacts not only to learn more

about the time period during which the artifact was made but also to learn more about the world in which we currently live.

The artifacts that were recovered when the wreck of the Titanic was found tell us about what life was like during that time

period. In addition, the condition of these artifacts also has helped scientists learn more about the accident itself. By

studying these artifacts, we can better understand what happened that fateful night.

Many people have been lucky enough to see the Titanic Artifact Exhibit. This exhibit has traveled the world and contains

approximately 300 artifacts retrieved from the wreck of the Titanic. The famous ship sunk in the Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912. Almost 1,500 people died when the ship went down. This tragedy has long fascinated the world because the Titanic was billed as an "unsinkable" ship.

In the years following the disaster, researchers searched the Atlantic for the remains of the ship. In 1985, the wreck was

finally discovered thanks to modern technology. Using great care, many valuable artifacts have been recovered from the ship. The Titanic Artifact Exhibit contains items such as pieces of the actual ship, along with personal belongings of the crew and the passengers.

The wonderful thing about the exhibit is that visitors see both the recovered artifacts and presentations about where and

how these items would have been used on the ship. The exhibit strives to create an overall experience for visitors so they

can understand what life was like almost one hundred years ago.

Using a time progression, the exhibit takes visitors through the phases of the ship. You see information and artifacts

pertaining to the design and construction of the ship. You also see displays detailing the discovery of the wreckage, how

the artifacts were recovered from the ship, and what is being done to preserve these precious objects from the past.

Over the past few years, the exhibit has visited many cities, and countless people have been able to see the artifacts

contained in this fascinating collection. In 2007, the exhibit can be seen at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, British

Colombia, Canada.

Guests to the museum climb a gangplank to enter the exhibit, so they feel as if they are passengers on the ship. The

exhibit has recreated what some corridors on the ship looked like. In addition, visitors can see what cabins for passengers

in 1st and 3rd class were like. These cabins contain recovered artifacts. An outdoor cafe, also containing artifacts from

the ship, has been created for visitors to examine.

Even though the Titanic sunk almost a century ago, the artifacts retrieved from the ship still fascinate and educate the

world. These objects allow us to view a time in history that had a huge impact on the world.

Making a Career Out of Artifacts

You spend your childhood entranced by dinosaur bones and everything that was prehistoric and died several million years ago.

You gazed longingly at the collections of dinosaur bones in your favorite museum and begged your parents for your very own

ancient arrow head when you visited ancient Native American burial grounds.

Now that you are grown up, it is easy to understand your chosen career path when you think of your childhood days. You went

to school for many years and now you are an archeologist who spends his days digging up ancient artifacts and bones in some

of the most remote locations of the world.

To sum it up, you help the world piece the history together. There are so many things we have learned from archeology expeditions

that help us shape what we believe the world was millions of years ago. All thanks to the work of dedicated professionals

who devote their lives to studying the past. Their study of the past helps us create a better future.

Man would not have known about dinosaurs had it not been for archeologists who dug up the artifacts of that period including

the bones to show what they looked like millions of years ago. Also, if it was not for archeologists on their constant

quests for artifacts, we never would have learned about the lives of the Ancient Egyptians and the people who died in

Pompeii.

Archeologists are vital to the future of our world, but do not receive the proper amount of credit. They have been

instrumental in the formation of the United States as well. They helped piece together the history of the Native Americans

and helped find Native American artifacts like weaponry that help explain where some of our current weapons originated from.

Just imagine what we would not know if archeologists did not spend their time researching and creating our history. We would

be a world who thinks it started after Christopher Columbus sailed to America. Well, maybe not. But out world history view

would definitely be limited.

So, you may not know an actual archeologist personally, but than them each time you visit a museum, watch a historical

documentary or learn something about the history of the United States. They were the ones who helped do the research and

find out the truth behind the mysteries in life.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in artifact searching, find a college that offers a good program in archeology.

There are several across the country that will help you learn about the past and learn the tools to becoming one yourself.

These programs can be quite demanding and you must be able to handle the dangers and challenges that come along with this

sort of career to be successful.

Imagine walking across the desert and finding ancient scribes that were written millions of years ago. That dream could

definitely be a reality if you pursue a career in artifact finding and archeology.

Just Face It, Your Kids Think You're an Artifact

Do you remember when you were young and you felt like you would never grow up? Thirty seemed like a really old age and you would not have to worry because it would take forever for you to get there anyway.

You also thought your parents were artifacts who must have been born in the Stone Age. They had no clue about what you liked and what kind of problems and issues you faced every day in life.

Well, you did grow up, and quickly. Now you are over thirty and have a couple of kids who are getting to be the age you were when you thought that about your parents. You, however, have made a conscious effort to keep your kids from thinking that you and your spouse are artifacts.

But it is not going to work, not matter how hard you try. You can think you are an amazing parent who totally understands
what your kids are feeling and going through because you went through it to at a time. But they do not think that way.

They think you are an old geezer who would not understand what they are going through in life even if it bit you in the pants. Do not fret about it. It is a common result of having kids who are growing up and they will also have kids who will treat them that way someday.

It is human (or kids) nature and it is futile to try and stop them from feeling that way.
The best way to go about it is to simply acknowledge that yes, you are artifacts and you have no idea what is going on with
their lives. Then let them try to figure out their problems on their own and eventually come back to you for guidance.

Trust this fact, it will happen sooner or later.

The most important thing is to remember that your kids do love you but they are going through that stage when they are
too cool for everything and life is the most unfair piece of work ever. Those feelings will pass and eventually you will be
best friends with your children again.

However, for now, let them think that they are the most amazing and smart people in the world who can figure out everything
for themselves. Remember, you are just artifacts who would not know a real problem like they have and you could not possible understand what they are going through.

Instead, simply sit back, relax and smile as they go through the teenage drama that all kids go through and laugh and say
that you told them so when they ask you for advice.

Then someday when they have their own kids, they will come back to you and say how their kids do not know anything and you
can remind them of their past and have a good laugh. Welcome to the unpopular parent club! Population: every parent in the world.

Pictures Can Be Artifacts to the Past

Do you enjoy taking pictures and collecting the photographs in scrapbooks, photo albums or online on their own special place?

Of course you do! Most people do and they love to take picture after picture of everything from a random night out with

friends, to pictures of their family and children to photos of their vacations to every corner of the globe.

Why do people love taking pictures so much? Well, look at the reasons why you like taking photos. You like to take photos

because it is a reminder of the good times and of the bad times. In essence, photos serve as your very own historical

artifact to the past and allow you to remember events that have memories that fade with the passing years.

Pictures are personal artifacts that tell the story of you. You can look at other people’s photos and never really truly

understand what they were feeling when the picture was taken. But you can easily take a picture of something and remember

your exact feelings years later.

So, do not miss an opportunity to take photos at every instance you can. You never know when that moment will be snapped

away from you, never to be seen again. Remember the faces of your children and relatives as they grow older and remember

what your parents looked like while they were young. Photographs allow you to do all of that.

Also, pass on the importance of photos to your family and friends. They will most likely already be aware of the importance

of creating photo artifacts, but you will want to make sure that they agree that taking as many photos as possible in life

is a good idea. That way, they will possibly get a picture that you were not able to get and you can share in that memory

with them.

Photo artifacts do not have to be overly mushy either. They can show the raunchy and crazy experiences you have had in your

life and serve as a reminder of the good time along with the happy and sad times.

You can tell your family story through pictures as well. Photos of births, weddings, funerals and other family events will

show a lot about the way you feel about your family members and how they felt about you at a certain point in time. That way

you can remember your crazy Aunt Ruth after she passes away.

Taking pictures is probably one of the rewarding and fun things you can do in your life. Now with different photo editing

software, you can do things to your photos that you never even thought was possible. Take your photo artifacts to the next

level and create a history of your family that can be viewed for years to come by you, your family, your children and anyone

else who would care to see the history of you and your life. Let the photos tell the whole story.