Glossary: M Terms
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The Domestication of Maize
Maize is a plant of enormous modern-day economic usefulness, which has a curious domestication history.
Maize is a plant of enormous modern-day economic usefulness, which has a curious domestication history.
Meidum Pyramid
Meidum (also spelled Maidum) is an Old Kingdom pyramid, begun during the 3rd dynasty by Huni, and completed during the 4th Dynasty (2613-2494 BC) by his son Sneferu (or Snofru).
Meidum (also spelled Maidum) is an Old Kingdom pyramid, begun during the 3rd dynasty by Huni, and completed during the 4th Dynasty (2613-2494 BC) by his son Sneferu (or Snofru).
Maadi (Egypt)
Maadi (sometimes spelled Ma'adi) is the name of one of the first fully excavated predynastic sites in Egypt
Maadi (sometimes spelled Ma'adi) is the name of one of the first fully excavated predynastic sites in Egypt
Maadi Culture - Predynastic Period of Lower Egypt
Maadi is the name of the Egyptian predynastic culture (and the type site) of Lower Egypt, the northern region (i.e., the lower Nile river delta), from about 3900-3500 BC.
Maadi is the name of the Egyptian predynastic culture (and the type site) of Lower Egypt, the northern region (i.e., the lower Nile river delta), from about 3900-3500 BC.
Maguey Plan - A 16th Century Map of an Aztec City
The Maguey Plan (Plano en papel de maguey) is the name of a 16th century map of part of a city within the Aztec empire, drawn on paper made of maguey (or agave)
The Maguey Plan (Plano en papel de maguey) is the name of a 16th century map of part of a city within the Aztec empire, drawn on paper made of maguey (or agave)
Misericordia (Portugal)
Misericordia is a vitrified fort in Portugal, which was used in a recent innovative study to test the utility of archaeomagnetic dating techniques on such sites.
Misericordia is a vitrified fort in Portugal, which was used in a recent innovative study to test the utility of archaeomagnetic dating techniques on such sites.
Material Culture
The term "material culture" is often used by archaeologists as a nonspecific way to refer to the artifacts or other concrete things left by past cultures.
The term "material culture" is often used by archaeologists as a nonspecific way to refer to the artifacts or other concrete things left by past cultures.
Manis Mastodon Site (USA)
The Manis Mastodon site is located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state in the northwestern United States, important for the history it provides on climatic change in glacial areas 12,000 years ago.
The Manis Mastodon site is located on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state in the northwestern United States, important for the history it provides on climatic change in glacial areas 12,000 years ago.
Archaeology Glossary: M Terms
Archaeological terms from Maadi to Mycenae.
Archaeological terms from Maadi to Mycenae.
El Mirón Cave (Spain)
The multicomponent archaeological cave site of El Mirón is located in the Rio Ason valley of eastern Cantabria, Spain.
The multicomponent archaeological cave site of El Mirón is located in the Rio Ason valley of eastern Cantabria, Spain.
European Mesolithic Period
The Mesolithic period is traditionally that time period in the Old World between the last glaciation (ca. 10,000 years BP) and beginning of the Neolithic (ca. 5000 years BP)
The Mesolithic period is traditionally that time period in the Old World between the last glaciation (ca. 10,000 years BP) and beginning of the Neolithic (ca. 5000 years BP)
Makapansgat (South Africa)
Makapansgat is a series of veryy ancient archaeological sites in the Makapansgat valley of South Africa, with evidence for Australopithecus
Makapansgat is a series of veryy ancient archaeological sites in the Makapansgat valley of South Africa, with evidence for Australopithecus
Mammoths and Mastodons
Mammoths and mastodons are both extinct forms of elephant that roamed the world before the end of the Pleistocene period.
Mammoths and mastodons are both extinct forms of elephant that roamed the world before the end of the Pleistocene period.
Maritime Archaeology
The study of ships and sea-faring is often called maritime archaeology
The study of ships and sea-faring is often called maritime archaeology
Martin's Hundred (USA)
Martin's Hundred is an archaeological site in Virginia in the southeastern United States, consisting of a British colonial village first occupied in 1619.
Martin's Hundred is an archaeological site in Virginia in the southeastern United States, consisting of a British colonial village first occupied in 1619.
Mas d'Azil (France)
The paleolithic cave site known as Mas d'Azil is located in the Pyrénées of France, and was excavated by Edouard Piette.
The paleolithic cave site known as Mas d'Azil is located in the Pyrénées of France, and was excavated by Edouard Piette.
Masada (Israel)
The archaeological site of Masada is among the most politically-charged archaeological ruins in the world, and that's saying a lot.
The archaeological site of Masada is among the most politically-charged archaeological ruins in the world, and that's saying a lot.
Mawangdui (China)
Mawangdui is the name of a Han dynasty [206 BC-AD 24] archaeological site situated in China in a suburb of the modern town of Changsha, Hunan Province.
Mawangdui is the name of a Han dynasty [206 BC-AD 24] archaeological site situated in China in a suburb of the modern town of Changsha, Hunan Province.
Maya Blue
Maya Blue is the name of a pigment, used by the Maya civilization to decorate pots, sculpture and panels
Maya Blue is the name of a pigment, used by the Maya civilization to decorate pots, sculpture and panels
Maya Civilization and Timeline
The Maya Civilization occupied much of the central North American continent between 2500 BC and AD 1500.
The Maya Civilization occupied much of the central North American continent between 2500 BC and AD 1500.
Maya Codices
There are three surviving Maya codices known in the world: Dresden, Madrid, and Paris, named because that's where the codices ended up, in museums in those cities.
There are three surviving Maya codices known in the world: Dresden, Madrid, and Paris, named because that's where the codices ended up, in museums in those cities.
Mayapan (Mexico)
The site of Mayapan is a Late Postclassic Maya (1200-1441 AD) city on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico,
The site of Mayapan is a Late Postclassic Maya (1200-1441 AD) city on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico,
Meadowcroft Rockshelter (USA)
Meadowcroft Rockshelter was one of the first archaeological sites in the United States to contain evidence of pre-Clovis populations.
Meadowcroft Rockshelter was one of the first archaeological sites in the United States to contain evidence of pre-Clovis populations.
Mean Ceramic Date
A mean ceramic date is a method of determining the age of a historical artifact assemblage using the average dates of the pottery sherds collected from the site.
A mean ceramic date is a method of determining the age of a historical artifact assemblage using the average dates of the pottery sherds collected from the site.
Megafauna
Megafauna is a term used by archaeologists and paleontologist to refer to large-bodied mammals, that is, any mammal weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms)
Megafauna is a term used by archaeologists and paleontologist to refer to large-bodied mammals, that is, any mammal weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms)
Megafaunal Extinctions
At the end of the last ice age (ca 15,000-10,000 years ago), 85 percent of the large mammals (called megafauna) went extinct.
At the end of the last ice age (ca 15,000-10,000 years ago), 85 percent of the large mammals (called megafauna) went extinct.
Megalithic Tombs and Monuments
The word megalithic means 'large stone' and the word refers to any monumental human built or assembled structure
The word megalithic means 'large stone' and the word refers to any monumental human built or assembled structure
Megiddo (Israel)
The archaeological site of Megiddo, known as Tell el-Mutesellim, has at least thirty urban settlements within its layers, the earliest about 3500 BC.
The archaeological site of Megiddo, known as Tell el-Mutesellim, has at least thirty urban settlements within its layers, the earliest about 3500 BC.
Mehrgarh (Pakistan)
Mehrgarh is a Neolithic (7000-3200 BC) site on the Kachi plain of Baluchistan, Pakistan, and one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming (wheat and barley) and herding (cattle, sheep and goats) in south Asia.
Mehrgarh is a Neolithic (7000-3200 BC) site on the Kachi plain of Baluchistan, Pakistan, and one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming (wheat and barley) and herding (cattle, sheep and goats) in south Asia.
Menkaure's Pyramid at Giza
The last pyramid built at the Giza Plateau was also constructed during the fourth dynasty of the Old Kingdom Egypt, in honor and to hold the remains of the pharaoh Menkaure
The last pyramid built at the Giza Plateau was also constructed during the fourth dynasty of the Old Kingdom Egypt, in honor and to hold the remains of the pharaoh Menkaure
Merv Oasis (Turkmenistan)
The Merv Oasis was a stop on the ancient Silk Route between China and the west during the early Iron Age.
The Merv Oasis was a stop on the ancient Silk Route between China and the west during the early Iron Age.
Mesa Verde (United States)
Mesa Verde ("green table" in Spanish) is a high stone cliff in southwestern Colorado near the Four Corners region of the United States Southwest.
Mesa Verde ("green table" in Spanish) is a high stone cliff in southwestern Colorado near the Four Corners region of the United States Southwest.
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia refers to an ancient civilization that took up pretty much everything that today is modern Iraq, a triangular patch wedged between the Tigris River, the Zagros Mountains, and the Lesser Zab River.
Mesopotamia refers to an ancient civilization that took up pretty much everything that today is modern Iraq, a triangular patch wedged between the Tigris River, the Zagros Mountains, and the Lesser Zab River.
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia is an ancient civilization that took up pretty much everything that today is modern Iraq, a triangular patch wedged between the Tigris River, the Zagros Mountains, and the Lesser Zab River. M
Mesopotamia is an ancient civilization that took up pretty much everything that today is modern Iraq, a triangular patch wedged between the Tigris River, the Zagros Mountains, and the Lesser Zab River. M
Metallurgy
Metallurgy, when used by archaeologists, is the study of the ancient processes of producing objects made of metal, including quarrying, mine construction, and smelting. Copper and gold-working were clearly part of ancient daily life for some civilizations.
Metallurgy, when used by archaeologists, is the study of the ancient processes of producing objects made of metal, including quarrying, mine construction, and smelting. Copper and gold-working were clearly part of ancient daily life for some civilizations.
Mezhirich (Ukraine)
The archaeological site of Mezhirich is an Upper Paleolithic site located in Ukraine near Kiev, and it is one of the best preserved sites of its type excavated to date.
The archaeological site of Mezhirich is an Upper Paleolithic site located in Ukraine near Kiev, and it is one of the best preserved sites of its type excavated to date.
Middle Paleolithic (Middle Stone Age)
The Middle Paleolithic period (ca 200,000 to 45,000 years ago or so) is the period during which Archaic humans including Homo sapiens neanderthalensis appeared and flourished all over the world.
The Middle Paleolithic period (ca 200,000 to 45,000 years ago or so) is the period during which Archaic humans including Homo sapiens neanderthalensis appeared and flourished all over the world.
Minanha (Belize)
Minanha was the name of a Maya petty kingdom, located on the north Vaca Plateau of west-central Belize.
Minanha was the name of a Maya petty kingdom, located on the north Vaca Plateau of west-central Belize.
Minoan Culture Timeline and Description
The Minoan civilization (Minoan culture) is what archaeologists call the early part of the prehistoric Bronze Age of Greece.
The Minoan civilization (Minoan culture) is what archaeologists call the early part of the prehistoric Bronze Age of Greece.
Minoan Culture
The Minoan culture is the earliest of two Bronze Age cultures known on islands in the Aegean Sea which are considered precursors to classical Greece; the other is Mycenean.
The Minoan culture is the earliest of two Bronze Age cultures known on islands in the Aegean Sea which are considered precursors to classical Greece; the other is Mycenean.
Mississippian Civilization
The Mississippian civilization was made up of sedentary farmers of the interior rivers in North America
The Mississippian civilization was made up of sedentary farmers of the interior rivers in North America
Mitrou (Greece)
Mitrou is a Bronze Age and early Iron Age archaeological site located on a small tidal islet in the North Euboean Gulf of Greece
Mitrou is a Bronze Age and early Iron Age archaeological site located on a small tidal islet in the North Euboean Gulf of Greece
Mixtec Culture
Mixtec Culture refers, in general terms, to the people who lived in the Mixteca Alta region of what is now Oaxaca state in Mexico during the Classic (300 AD-800 AD) and Post-Classic (800 AD to the Spanish conquest) periods.
Mixtec Culture refers, in general terms, to the people who lived in the Mixteca Alta region of what is now Oaxaca state in Mexico during the Classic (300 AD-800 AD) and Post-Classic (800 AD to the Spanish conquest) periods.
Mladec Cave (Czech Republic)
The cave site of Mladec in the Czech Republic contains modern human remains, Mladec-type projectile points and other artifacts in a European site that would otherwise be assigned to the Aurignacian period of Europe; except that it lacks typical Aurignacian artifacts.
The cave site of Mladec in the Czech Republic contains modern human remains, Mladec-type projectile points and other artifacts in a European site that would otherwise be assigned to the Aurignacian period of Europe; except that it lacks typical Aurignacian artifacts.
Moche Culture Timeline and Description
The Moche culture was a South American society, whose sites were located along the arid coast of what is now Peru between 100 and 800 AD
The Moche culture was a South American society, whose sites were located along the arid coast of what is now Peru between 100 and 800 AD
Mochlos (Greece)
Mochlos is an island located off the north shore of Crete, with important Greek Bronze Age occupations
Mochlos is an island located off the north shore of Crete, with important Greek Bronze Age occupations
Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan)
Mohenjo-Daro was one of two intensively excavated sites of the Bronze Age Indus Valley (or Meluha) civilization, and was inhabited between 2500 and 2000 BC.
Mohenjo-Daro was one of two intensively excavated sites of the Bronze Age Indus Valley (or Meluha) civilization, and was inhabited between 2500 and 2000 BC.
Mohenjo-daro (Pakistan)
Mohenjo-daro (also spelled Mohanjo-Daro and translated as "Mound of Mohan"; or Moenjo-daro "Mound of the Dead") is an important Indus civilization site, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan in the floodplain of the Indus River
Mohenjo-daro (also spelled Mohanjo-Daro and translated as "Mound of Mohan"; or Moenjo-daro "Mound of the Dead") is an important Indus civilization site, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan in the floodplain of the Indus River
Mojiaoshan (China)
The archaeological site of Mojiaoshan is part of a Liangzhu complex site at Yuhang in Zhejiang Province, China.
The archaeological site of Mojiaoshan is part of a Liangzhu complex site at Yuhang in Zhejiang Province, China.
Molodova I and V (Ukraine)
The Middle and Upper Paleolithic site of Molodova is located on the Dniester River in the Chernovtsy province of the Ukraine.
The Middle and Upper Paleolithic site of Molodova is located on the Dniester River in the Chernovtsy province of the Ukraine.
Monden-tsujibatake (Japan)
The archaeological site of Monden-tsujibatake is a Yayoi period village and urnfield cemetery located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
The archaeological site of Monden-tsujibatake is a Yayoi period village and urnfield cemetery located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
Montanist Communities
The Montanist communities, also known as the Phrygians, were an early Christian sect of the second century AD in Asia minor.
The Montanist communities, also known as the Phrygians, were an early Christian sect of the second century AD in Asia minor.
Monte Alban (Mexico)
Monte Alban was the capital city of the Zapotec civilization of central Mexico, located in the state of Oaxaca, and occupied between 500 BC and 700 AD.
Monte Alban was the capital city of the Zapotec civilization of central Mexico, located in the state of Oaxaca, and occupied between 500 BC and 700 AD.
Monte Grande (Italy)
The Monte Grande site is a Castelluccio culture site, located in the Agrigento region and consisting of an Early Bronze Age sanctuary and a sulfur extraction and processing site.
The Monte Grande site is a Castelluccio culture site, located in the Agrigento region and consisting of an Early Bronze Age sanctuary and a sulfur extraction and processing site.
Monte Loreto (Italy)
The copper mines in the valleys and side walls of Monte Loreto in the Liguria region of Italy are some of the earliest known copper mines in the Iberian peninsula.
The copper mines in the valleys and side walls of Monte Loreto in the Liguria region of Italy are some of the earliest known copper mines in the Iberian peninsula.
Monte Verde (Chile)
Monte Verde is Southern Chile's addition to the problem of when was the earliest settlement of the American continent.
Monte Verde is Southern Chile's addition to the problem of when was the earliest settlement of the American continent.
Monteoru Culture
The Monteoru Culture is the name given to the Early Bronze Age culture of Romania and Bulgaria, between about 2000 and 2500 BC.
The Monteoru Culture is the name given to the Early Bronze Age culture of Romania and Bulgaria, between about 2000 and 2500 BC.
Monumental Architecture
Monumental architecture, at an archaeological site, refers to large man-made structures of stone or earth.
Monumental architecture, at an archaeological site, refers to large man-made structures of stone or earth.
Mound Builder Myth
The moundbuilder myth was one of the earliest mythologies of the New World believed by the European settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The moundbuilder myth was one of the earliest mythologies of the New World believed by the European settlers of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Mounds
Mounds are a type of monumental architecture built primarily of earth, although they do occasionally have stone or wood foundations.
Mounds are a type of monumental architecture built primarily of earth, although they do occasionally have stone or wood foundations.
Moundville (USA)
The archaeological site of Moundville, on the Black Warrior river in the southeastern American state of Alabama, includes 20 large pyramidal mounds and the surrounding community.
The archaeological site of Moundville, on the Black Warrior river in the southeastern American state of Alabama, includes 20 large pyramidal mounds and the surrounding community.
Mount Albion Complex
The Mount Albion Complex is a form of Archaic lifestyle (hunting and gathering) that took place in high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin of North America.
The Mount Albion Complex is a form of Archaic lifestyle (hunting and gathering) that took place in high altitudes of the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin of North America.
Mount Carmel (Israel)
The Mount Carmel region near the modern town of Haifa, Israel contains several of the most famous Neanderthal sites in the middle east
The Mount Carmel region near the modern town of Haifa, Israel contains several of the most famous Neanderthal sites in the middle east
Mousterian
The Mousterian industry is an ancient Middle Stone Age method of making stone tools, associated with our hominid relatives the Neanderthals in Europe and both Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis in Africa.
The Mousterian industry is an ancient Middle Stone Age method of making stone tools, associated with our hominid relatives the Neanderthals in Europe and both Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis in Africa.
Muisca Culture
The Muisca culture were people who lived in the Andes Mountains of central Columbia from about AD 1000-1550.
The Muisca culture were people who lived in the Andes Mountains of central Columbia from about AD 1000-1550.
Multi-Regional Hypothesis
The Multi-Regional Hypothesis argues that our earliest hominid ancestors radiated out from Africa and Homo sapiens evolved from several different groups of Homo erectus in several places throughout the world.
The Multi-Regional Hypothesis argues that our earliest hominid ancestors radiated out from Africa and Homo sapiens evolved from several different groups of Homo erectus in several places throughout the world.
Mumba Rockshelter (Tanzania)
The Mumba Rockshelter (or Mumba-Hohle) is a Middle Paleolithic and Late Stone Age site located in the Rift Valley of Tanzania, near the shore of Lake Eyasi.
The Mumba Rockshelter (or Mumba-Hohle) is a Middle Paleolithic and Late Stone Age site located in the Rift Valley of Tanzania, near the shore of Lake Eyasi.
Murray Black Collection (Australia)
The Murray Black collection was a huge collection of human skeletal material in Australia, amassed in the 1940s and 1950s by G. M. Black.
The Murray Black collection was a huge collection of human skeletal material in Australia, amassed in the 1940s and 1950s by G. M. Black.
Murray Springs (USA)
The Murray Springs site is located in the San Pedro Valley of Arizona, and it is an early Clovis site where buffalo were butchered about 11,000 years ago.
The Murray Springs site is located in the San Pedro Valley of Arizona, and it is an early Clovis site where buffalo were butchered about 11,000 years ago.
My Son (Vietnam)
The World Heritage archaeological site of My Son was a Cham dynasty capital, between the 4th and 12th centuries AD.
The World Heritage archaeological site of My Son was a Cham dynasty capital, between the 4th and 12th centuries AD.
Mycenae (Greece)
The archaeological site of Mycenae, located on the steep slopes of the island of Euboea in Greece, was part of the Aegean cultures of the Argolid.
The archaeological site of Mycenae, located on the steep slopes of the island of Euboea in Greece, was part of the Aegean cultures of the Argolid.