Definition: American archaeologist William Ritchie was the first person to use the word 'Archaic' for prehistoric hunter-gatherer sites in upstate New York; the term is now used across the American continents. He also conducted research at the Roundtop site and, although recent research has proved him wrong, postulated a joint domestication of corn, beans, and squash. Corn, beans and squash are the 'three sisters,' the three mainstays of the historic Iroquois people. I still like to think of it as the succotash theory.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
