Archeology researches the early epochs of human culture. Its main object is material evidence of ancient societies and civilizations, which is predominantly acquired by means of excavation. The periods under consideration stretch from the very long period of the Stone Age to the so-called metal ages (Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages) and from Classical Antiquity, to Late Antiquity, and into the Byzantine period and the Early Middle Ages. Geographically, the area of research covers the entire space from the Near and Middle East to the Mediterranean, and from the Black Sea region to Northern Europe.