Archaeology is the systematic study of the cultures of periods of time in the past. This is done by researching and examining artifacts and other evidence of existance found where people of those cultures and societies once inhabited. Archealogical artifacts may be found in a variety of locations including buildings or caves in which these people lived, or in graves and tombs. These homes, graves, and tombs themselves also constitute for archeological evidence as well as the tools, paintings, jewelry, pottery, or skeletal remains that are found there.