Statistics and archaeology in Israel

Abstract

While the field of statistics is fairly young, the field of archaeology is quite old. Modern archaeology prides itself on its ability to glean maximum information about the past from minimal information collected in the present. This paper attempts to show how the application of statistical thinking and techniques can aid the archaeologist in retrieving as much information as possible from artifacts; thus allowing the archaeologists to leave the majority of a site for future generations. In the past few years, archaeologists working in Israel have joined forces with statisticians in an attempt to generate more accurate recordings of archaeological information than is currently the standard in the Middle East. Careful application of statistical methods has reduced collection time and improved the display of archaeological information. An understanding of statistical concepts such as variability and density estimation has already been shown to be of use to archaeologists. Conversely, the use of examples from the field have proven to be of use in motivating humanities students to learn about statistical thinking. Archaeology has also provided a field in which students of statistics may apply their new found knowledge. The combination of statistics and archaeology is clearly of benefit to both disciplines.