Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Artifacts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏺
Add to dictionary

artifacts

[ˈɑːrtɪfækts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

historical objects

Artifacts are objects made or used by humans in the past, such as tools, weapons, pottery, and jewelry. They are often discovered by archaeologists during excavations and provide valuable insights into ancient civilizations.

Synonyms

antiques, artefacts, relics.

Examples of usage

  • Archaeologists found ancient artifacts in the tomb.
  • The museum displays a collection of artifacts from different time periods.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Artifacts like pottery, tools, and jewelry provide insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and skills of ancient cultures.
  • Famous artifacts, such as the Rosetta Stone, have played crucial roles in deciphering lost languages.

Cultural Impact

  • Museums around the world curate artifacts to educate the public about historical civilizations and their achievements.
  • Cultural heritage sites often contain artifacts that are considered vital to understanding a nation's history.

Scientific Research

  • Archaeologists use artifacts to reconstruct past societies and understand human evolution and migration patterns.
  • Dating techniques, such as carbon dating, can determine the age of artifacts, providing timelines of human history.

Pop Culture

  • Artifacts frequently appear in movies and books, like 'Indiana Jones,' where they are central to adventure and discovery.
  • Video games often include collectible artifacts as game mechanics to enhance storytelling and exploration.

Origin of 'artifacts'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'artifact' comes from the Latin roots 'artus' meaning art and 'facere' meaning to make.
  • It was first used in the English language in the 19th century, primarily in archaeological contexts.

The word 'artifact' originated from the Latin word 'artefactum', which means 'something made by human work'. The term has been used in archaeology and history to refer to objects created or used by humans in the past. Artifacts play a crucial role in understanding ancient cultures and societies, providing tangible evidence of their existence and practices.

See also: artifact.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,954 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.