How does archaeology contribute to modern day society?

Question

I am doing an informative speech, and I am having trouble finding out what it contributes to our society. How does it enhance our lives? I understand that it tells us the past, but what effect does it play on us personally?

Any sources would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

It helps us better understand events that occurred before us.

Modern society is based on the foundation of its history, that's why history is important. Archeology is part of that history.

Also, archeology is is good because it keeps us humble. We think that we are so smart in our modern world, but we're not as much as we think. Some inventions that have only been remade in the last century or even the last few decades were known thousands of years ago.

The Romans had ball barrings. They performed brain surgery, and the tools are almost identical to those used by doctors today.

Answer 2

It doesn't really contribute anything; Its merely interesting to know about our past and where we come from...

Answer 3

Imagine a world without history; we would have nothing on which to base our society.  Without archaeology, history is simply taking the word of the historians, who may have been exaggerating or even lying.  Archaeology uncovers the secrets of the past, and may influence modern science and culture by informing us of ancient ways now lost to us including more efficient agricultural techniques (as in Mesoamerica and the Amazon, a puzzle still unsolved), advanced architecture and engineering, and even astronomy and mathematics that in some cases may have been more accurate than out own.  Even artistically, the people of today are constantly inspired by the art and designs of the ancient world.

Answer 4

Theres any essay of Bertand Russell about the uses of history... Maybe you find a good answer there. Have you read Jorge Luis Borges? In one of his stories he makes a good trick: The hero of a revolution could be the worst traitor, so you will never know. History could be false. But it has an use... I belive it makes your more skeptic... and the good and bad examples of the past give  you some light into deep questions: who we are your are and where are the boundaries of men.

There is also a sentiment of the real. When I read about Fouche I could understand what politics is in my time, there are some histories about what goes always in society. And that feeling, history!