the study of past behavioral processes through experimental reconstruction under carefully controlled scientific conditions.

A method of inferring the original functions of archaeological finds by the replication, reconstruction and use of similar artifacts.

Scientific studies aimed at discovering what produced or changed artifacts and structures found on site by reenacting activities and duplicating processes.

scientific studies designed to discover processes that produced and/or modified artifacts and sites.

a method of studying artifacts by making and using replicas of them.

Experimental archaeology employs a number of different methods, techniques, analyses, and approaches in order to generate and test hypotheses or an interpretation, based upon archaeological source material, like ancient structures or artifacts. It should not be confused with primitive technology which is not concerned with any archaeological or historical evidence, living history or historical reenactment, which is generally undertaken as a hobby, for entertainment or to demonstrate a romantic atmosphere of a specific (pre)historic era.