The Best and Worst Archaeology Has to Offer
Archaeology on the web comes in many forms. These websites vary from the very best sites which provide a great deal of information on archaeology, research and the people who practice archaeology, to the websites which provide information on archaeology not based on fact. It becomes difficult at times to differentiate between the true factual sites and those that are cult archaeology. Many of these cult archaeology sites seem to be trustworthy because of their complicated wording and seemingly credible authors. Unfortunately, many people cannot differentiate between myth and fact.
The Best
A great example of a superb website has been put together by Archaeology Magazine and is located at www.archaeology.org. Not only does this site offer excellent information, but it also offers an easy way to surf its contents. The information varies from current events to late breaking news and events to historical archives from the magazine. The site allows a surfer to not only find out what is going on in the world of archaeology today, but also to research past news and research.
Creators of this website have one agenda, and that is to join people from all over the world who have a common interest in archaeology and its role in furthering human knowledge. It tries to create a passion for archaeology by sharing information and informing people of what is happening in the field of archaeology today. The stories and data that are presented in this web page really allow a reader to experience archaeology without getting dirty.
The authors of this website have credentials that are unquestionably strong. It is an organization that is spearheaded by professionals, but which also includes archaeology students and others from all walks of life. This diverse group comes together to keep archaeological news spreading and in the forefront. The magazine is widely spread throughout not only the archaeological community, but the general public as well.
The site is very well organized with the main information on the very first page. If information cannot be found then there is a search engine built into the website for easy access. The information is clearly presented and a reader should have no trouble discovering what is happening in the world of archaeology.
This site has to be considered one of the best out there when discussing current archaeological events. Its ease of use, presentation, and content all make it a great place to find information or even just to enjoy archaeology.
The Worst
One of the worst websites available is called Extra-Terrestrial Contact and is located at www.etcontact.net/AncientAstronauts.htm. This website was created to give people information about ancient astronauts delivering marvelous inventions to early human beings. These technological advances were supposedly much more sophisticated than anything we have even today. Unfortunately, the information and technology was obliterated soon after its delivery.
The creators of the website have a mission statement testifying their cause, “This website aims to raise awareness about the UFO phenomenon and to show the extent of serious, quality and scientific information and evidence available on the subject” (etcontact.net, 2004). It is put together by the people at ufoevidence.org which is comprised of 107 researchers and other staffers, many of whom have PhD’s. Due to the seemingly impressive credentials of the people on the website, the content seems completely truthful.
This website is presented in a very professional manner, both with the article construction and website setup. This website, and its many articles, does use archaeological evidence correctly, listing correct dates for cave paintings and Neanderthals. Because of the correct use of incorrect archaeological data and the professionalism of the website and its authors, it appears as if this site is one of the worst on the web. If the website was poorly done and the facts were obliviously wrong, then there would be a lesser chance that a person would believe that the information was true. Unfortunately, this website is well done and therefore very convincing.
Having information about archaeology on the Internet is imperative because it allows discovery of archaeology, and it furthers interest in the subject. There are some very good sites that portray archaeology in an academic and professional manner which help people understand the field of archaeology. However, there are also websites on the internet that give misinformed facts and myths to the general public, who know little about the subject. Because of this, interested parties may have trouble differentiating between reality and myth.
Jon Leisinger
Katherine Beranek