Free HSC Year 11 Ancient History Flashcard Review
Review 20 public cards with spaced repetition. Flip a card, then grade your recall. Cards you miss return today. Your schedule stays in this browser.
Loading your review schedule…
Browse the free cards
What is the principle of superposition?
In undisturbed deposits, lower layers were laid down before the layers above them, giving a relative sequence.
Why is excavation described as destructive?
Removing deposits destroys their original context, so the only lasting record is the excavator's documentation.
What did Flinders Petrie add to archaeological method?
Systematic recording of all finds, including small objects and sherds, and sequence dating (seriation) based on pottery styles.
What is the Wheeler–Kenyon method?
Excavation in a grid of square trenches with standing baulks so layers can be read in section.
Name three modern recording technologies.
Total stations, GIS databases and photogrammetry (also drones and LiDAR).
What can isotope analysis of skeletons reveal?
Evidence of diet and of where a person grew up, so it can show mobility or migration.
Why is the Tiara of Saitaphernes famous?
The Louvre bought it in 1896 as ancient Greek work; in 1903 it was shown to be by a modern goldsmith.
Distinguish provenance from provenience.
Provenance is ownership history; provenience is the exact findspot recorded during excavation.
Give two scientific authentication tests.
Thermoluminescence for ceramics; X-ray fluorescence for metal composition (also radiocarbon for organic material).
Why is the archaeological record biased?
Durable materials and elite monuments survive better, while organic remains decay and sites are disturbed or looted.
What is a key limitation of royal annals as evidence?
They present events from the ruler's perspective, celebrating success and omitting defeats or losses.
Why are petroglyphs hard to interpret?
They are often dated only indirectly, for example by comparing styles, and their meanings may be held only by the communities connected with them.
When and where was the first recorded gladiatorial show at Rome?
264 BCE in the Forum Boarium, given by the sons of Junius Brutus Pera at their father's funeral.
Which town has one of the oldest surviving stone amphitheatres?
Pompeii, built around 70 BCE.
When was the Flavian Amphitheatre dedicated, and by whom?
In 80 CE by Titus, with a hundred days of games; it was begun under Vespasian.
What is the hypogeum?
The underground corridors, pens and lifts beneath the arena that allowed animals and scenery to appear.
What is Seneca's view of the midday executions?
He condemns them as pure killing that makes spectators crueller.
What is the purpose of Martial's Book of Spectacles?
To praise the emperor's amphitheatre and shows in flattering verse.
How did the retiarius fight?
With net, trident and dagger, without a helmet, relying on speed and distance.
Which gladiator usually faced the thraex?
The murmillo.