Over the decades of archaeological research, archaeologists have worked to identify categories of prehistoric tools, many categories created by comparison to modern tools because no written records existed to tell us what they are. Today, archaeologists use a suite of supporting data: deposits left on the working edges, marks of usewear on working edges, and experimental replication.
Some time around 1995 archaeologists started using computer graphics to build virtual 3D models of sites such as the throne room of an ancient Assyrian palace or ancient Rome.[35] This is done by collecting normal photographs and using computer graphics to build the virtual 3D model.[35] More generally, computers can be used to recreate the environment and conditions of the past, such as objects, buildings, landscapes and even ancient battles.[35] Computer simulation can be used to simulate the living conditions of an ancient community and to see how it would have reacted to various scenarios (such as how much food to grow, how many animals to slaughter, etc.)[35] Computer-built topographical models have been combined with astronomical calculations to verify whether or not certain structures (such as pillars) were aligned with astronomical events such as the sun's position at a solstice.[35]
An important aspect of project design is likely to be managing the logistics of operating from a boat and of managing diving operations. The depth of water over the site, and whether access is constrained by tides, currents and adverse weather conditions will create substantial constraints on the techniques that can feasibly be used and the amount of investigation that can be carried out for a given cost or in a set timescale. Many of the most carefully investigated sites, including the Mary Rose have relied substantially on avocational archaeologists working over a considerable period of time.[12]
The term h"artifact " is used by archaeologists to refer to any object that was manufactured or altered by human activity. There is therefore a wide variety of materials which can become the objects of archaeological investigations. Unlike features, artifacts can be transported from the site to the laboratory, where they can by analyzed using a wide variety of techniques and procedures. Artifacts can be made of stone, bone, fiber, wood, clay, metal, and a host of other materials. The following are just a few classes of artifacts frequently encountered in archaeological research.
