Times Past and Time Passing By

Things change as time passes. This is one of the principal phenomenon observed in archaeology. By observing and understanding the patterns of change, archaeologists are able to construct a calendar of events by placing items, objects or events on a time scale.

Changes occur for different reasons. Some changes can be explained by technological advances. We know, for example, that very old hunting spearheads were made of stone, then when metals were discovered, they were replaced by copper and then by iron spearheads.

Other changes occur because of functional needs. Country roads were once dirt paths a meter wide for travellers on-foot. With the arrival of the horse and carriage, these paths were enlarged to ease circulation. Then cars appeared and roads were paved. With the increase of traffic, roadways were again widened and today they are multi-lane highways, often more than 100 meters wide!

Change also happens quite simply by taste and fashion. The best example of such transformaiton is the manner in which clothing has changed through the ages and how, today, fashion trends can change drastically from year to year. Such change reflects social and cultural evolution.

Today, changes occur at an extremely rapid rate and are easy to observe as they affect familiar objects. If you notice the details of these changes, you will begin to understand a lot about the evolution of specific objects, the same way archaeologists are knowledgeable about very old artefacts.

Pick a particular object, for example cars. We all know more or less how they changed during the 20th century, but to what extent can we be specific? What typifies a 1955 model? How can we differentiate a 1965 model from one of 1975? Can you name the trends of car evolution from its invention up to today? Try to separate the diverse categories of changes, like form, size, color, texture, style, material, special features and accessories...See, for any of these changes, if they are related to technology, function, fashion, or even a combination of these elements.

Try to do the same with other objects. Try soda bottles for example, television sets, hats, houses, pens, or even computers...