Discuss: Factors that determine what kind of objects and artifacts survive over long periods of time

There are many factors determining which artifacts survive and which are destroyed. Objects made from bone, wood, and leather, are more susceptible to deterioration and rarely last for thousands of years. Stone and ceramic artifacts, on the contrary, are very durable. Relatively few artifacts survive over long periods of time. Usually, only durable artifacts, those made of stone, bone, pottery, or metals, survive. Artifacts made of wood, leather, or other fragile materials rarely remain. As …

…the soil and prevent decay. Natural disasters can also take their toll on evidence, such as floods, earthquakes and volcanoes. The actions of people are one of the most significant factors in determining which artifacts survive. Warfare and conflict can be very destructive where valuable items, if not destroyed, are looted or lost. Modernisation of cities has no time for ancient ruins, and many old buildings are torn down to make way for new ones.