Archeology is the scientific study of human history and pre-history through the recovery and preservation of material evidence from past civilizations, societies and cultures - for example, early Stone Age and Egyptian civilization. Material evidence excavated for study includes everyday tools, burial sites, jewelry, stone walls, wall writings, ceremonial shrines, religious altars and domestic pottery. The principal activities for archeology include preliminary field surveys, excavation, and the classification, dating, inventorying and interpretation of findings.