Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Stratigraphic archaeology is the study of layers (strata) in archaeological sites to understand the sequence of human activity over time. It helps archaeologists determine the relative dating of artifacts and reconstruct past environments.
Related terms
Excavation: The process of carefully digging up archaeological sites to uncover artifacts and structures.
Seriation: A technique used to arrange artifacts based on their style or design evolution over time.
Contextual analysis: Examining artifacts within their surrounding environment to understand their meaning and purpose.