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Archaeology at University of Southampton (created with ChatGPT)

Of Archaeology and rubbish


Sir James Matthews Building

Building: B65



Age suitable for:
  • 5 - 7 years-old
  • 7 - 11 years-old
  • 11 - 14 years-old
  • 14 - 16 years-old
  • 16 - 18 years-old
  • 18+ years-old


Visit:     



Explore how archaeologists study human rubbish by investigating mystery bin bags filled with everyday objects. Use clues to identify characters and uncover stories hidden in discarded items.

You will explore how archaeologists study the past by investigating the everyday objects people leave behind. In this hands‑on activity, you'll discover that archaeology is, quite literally, the study of human rubbish, and that uncovering clues in discarded items can reveal surprising details about people's lives.

You'll begin by looking at a set of character profiles, each describing a different fictional person. Then you'll examine "rubbish bags" filled with everyday objects linked to each character. By studying the clues, you'll try to work out who each person is, what their habits might be, and how archaeologists use similar evidence to understand real people from the past.