We are blessed because, although we study artifacts, we work in a time period for which there are extensive written records. We are cursed because, although we study artifacts, we work in a tie period for which there are extensive written records. The blessing of course is that the documentary record of a site can add insight and dimension to our archaeological interpretations. Documentary history can also help us to ask and answer more complex questions of the archaeological data. We already know everything.
Most people recognize that traditional history is a biased record.
It is the product of a literate community that had the access, the resources, and the desire to create a written record. The archaeological record is a bit more democratic. In this sense archaeology is a great equalizer. Archaeology tells untold histories, especially those of the daily lives of regular people. The archaeological record does have its own biases.