artifact or artefact

Objects ancient and modern are contained in the word artifact which is also found printed as artefact.

Artifacts are produced by humans as tools, weapons, ornaments or daily living objects.

Within context, they are often found at archaeological digs where past settlements or civilisations are carefully exposed to reveal the practical and ornamental objects used by the people of that time and place.

Modern cities harbour artefacts of previous eras under existing buildings and roads.  They tell us as much as our use of words they do about our history, interests and progress.