Social scientist and archeologists look at the residues from previous locations where people lives and gather broken and lost tools, bones, food scraps, architectural remains (buildings and walls etc) to build a picture of the lifestyle. As examples:
- If the bones of horses are recovered and the teeth are worn where bridles would go the horses are thought to be more tan just food animals and the people would use horses for riding or work
- Burnt bones and pottery shards may indicate that people cooed their food
- Residue in food cooking pots might tell wat foods were grown or cathered for eating
- The bones of the citizens would tell about their general height and health and whether they were well fed
- Weapons would tell if the people were hunters or warriors
- Trade goods would tell if the peoples traded with others
