Inventoried artifacts, however, are analyzed much more closely. Lithic artifacts are rarely found in excavations at Isthmia but are commonly discovered in the Eastern Korinthia Survey. Stone tools were more typical in prehistoric times but were sometimes used well into the classical period. The analysis of lithic artifacts is in some ways similar to that of pottery. Again, inventoried artifacts are analyzed more closely.
Artifacts are only one class of material which provide information about past human cultures.
In order to provide a fuller picture, archaeologists must also examine ecofacts, the environmental and organic remains that reveal past ecosystems, climate, and ancient diet.