Archaeology in Malta (2) : definition of archaeology?

Abstract

There have been several attempts in the past to propose a suitable definition of archaeology. One of the most exhaustive definitions is that which qualifies it as that section of the science of antiquity which concerns itself with the recovery of the artifacts produced by man in the past, studies their historical evolution in form, purpose, use and meaning, and investigates their relationship with different aspects of civilization, such as political events, social and economic developments and religious beliefs of ancient peoples. It can also be defined, more succinctly, as that discipline which s~arches for and collects the manufacts of antiquity and elaborates them into an organic historical picture.