Judging from the emergence and development of archaeology in the world and China, the existence of archaeology has its historical reasons, and its status is also determined by the needs at that time. However, the status and value of archaeology are not as good as some disciplines that can directly meet material needs but indirectly meet spiritual needs. To a considerable extent, it does not exist as meeting individual needs, but as meeting the needs of society or all mankind. Therefore, it is difficult to measure its value or function in a simple economic or material way. In a sense, the value of archaeology should be embodied in the unity of social value, scientific value and artistic value. Specifically, it generally has the following aspects:

1, to satisfy people's curiosity and thirst for knowledge, which is the most direct sensory demand of human psychology;

2. Part of it is for economic construction, but this is not the main purpose of archaeology;

3. Learn from technology and art;

4. Historical witness;

5. Enhance national consciousness;

6. Cultural significance. Archaeological data can not only enrich the treasures of national culture, but also deepen the understanding of historical process;

7. The historical reference function of "taking history as a mirror". For example, the study of the decline of Liangzhu culture has a great warning effect on today's society and even the future society;

8. Reflect on human history. Archaeology, together with other disciplines, is one of the most important functions of archaeology to reflect on the ways and reasons of the changes of human culture and civilization, to seek the essence of human and society and the inevitability of social development, and to explore the development direction of human civilization.