One-word substitution (vocabulary): Choose the correct term for “the study of ancient societies.” Select the single best word that matches the definition exactly.

Given data

• Target meaning: a discipline focused on ancient societies.

Concept/Approach
Archaeology studies past human societies primarily through material remains (artifacts, architecture, ecofacts), which is exactly “ancient societies.”

Reasoning through options
Archaeology — investigation of ancient human life via excavation and analysis of material culture. Anthropology — broad study of humans (biological, cultural, linguistic) across all times, not only ancient. History — study of past events, typically via written records; not restricted to “ancient societies.” Ethnology — comparative study of cultures (usually contemporary or historically recent groups) using ethnographic data.

Final Answer
Archaeology