Stratigraphic archaeology

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.