The study of archaic cultures can be called by various synonyms such as archaeology, paleontology, antiquarianism, and cultural anthropology. Archaeology is the scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of artifacts, settlements, and other physical remains. Paleontology, on the other hand, focuses on the study of the Earth's history through the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms. Antiquarianism pertains to the field of collecting and studying antiques and works of art, while cultural anthropology mainly studies the customs, society, and culture of a given population. These diverse fields of study provide different perspectives on the past and help us understand the richness of our collective human history.