Captain Picard holding the tools of a 24th Century archaeologist.
Archaeology is the branch of science, closely associated with the field of anthropology, that studies the distant past, particularly the history of humanoids and their culture by the examination of recovered material evidence. Those who study in this field are known as archaeologists. Across the galaxy, over the course of billions of years, highly advanced civilizations have risen and then fallen into ruin, which means that exo-archeology, unlike archeology on any single planet, can often locate knowledge and technology far in advance of contemporary levels. This makes interstellar archeology a potent means to advance scientific, technical and medical understanding.(TOS: "What Are Little Girls Made Of?")
Archaeology is a course taught at Starfleet Academy.
An A&A officer was a position on Starfleet vessels in the 23rd century which specialized in archaeology, anthropology, and ancient civilizations.
The archaeology lab is one of the science laboratories on Template:ShipClass starships. (TOS: "Who Mourns for Adonais?"; TNG: "The Chase")
According to Commander Tomalak, the Romulans were studying Nelvana III with orbital probes for archaeological research. (TNG: "The Defector")
Raymond Marr went on an archaeological dig in the mountains of Omicron Theta shortly before the planet was devastated by the Crystalline Entity. (TNG: "Silicon Avatar")
The Federation sent archaeological expeditions to such planets as M-113, Exo III, Camus II and Kurl. (TOS: "The Man Trap", "What Are Little Girls Made Of?", "Turnabout Intruder"; TNG: "The Chase").
The Daystrom Institute has its own dedicated Archaeological Council. (DS9: "Q-Less")
Archaeology was an interest of both Jean-Luc Picard and Neral. (TNG: "The Chase"; DS9: "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges")
Tagus III holds one of the most important archaeological sites in the known galaxy. (TNG: "Qpid")
Archaeological research
- Arctic Archaeology Team
- Federation Archaeology Council
- Federation Archaeological Survey
- Rutian archaeological vessel