Vertical excavation

Definition

Vertical excavation is a method used in archaeology that focuses on digging downwards to reveal layers of stratigraphy and the temporal sequence of an archaeological site. This technique is essential for understanding the chronological development of human activity in a particular area, as it allows archaeologists to analyze how different cultural materials and features are organized within the soil profile.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Vertical excavation is primarily concerned with revealing and interpreting the sequence of human occupation and use of a site over time.
2. This technique often requires careful recording of the stratification in order to document changes in material culture and environmental conditions.
3. Vertical excavation can involve both open-area excavation techniques as well as more focused pit digging, depending on the site's research objectives.
4. The results from vertical excavation contribute significantly to our understanding of site formation processes and can help identify periods of stability or change in human behavior.
5. Artifacts and features found during vertical excavation are typically analyzed in their original context, which helps to preserve the integrity of the data collected.

Review Questions

• How does vertical excavation contribute to our understanding of stratigraphy at an archaeological site?
  • Vertical excavation plays a crucial role in revealing the layers of stratigraphy at an archaeological site by systematically digging downwards. As archaeologists uncover each layer, they can observe how different cultural materials and features are organized chronologically. This method allows them to piece together the sequence of human activity over time, providing insights into how societies developed and changed.
• Discuss the significance of maintaining context during vertical excavation and its impact on artifact analysis.
  • Maintaining context during vertical excavation is vital because it ensures that artifacts are recorded and analyzed based on their original spatial relationships within the soil layers. This practice allows archaeologists to accurately interpret the function and significance of each artifact in relation to its surroundings. If context is lost, it can lead to misinterpretations and a failure to understand the full picture of human activity at the site.
• Evaluate the advantages and limitations of using vertical excavation compared to horizontal excavation methods in archaeological research.
  • Vertical excavation offers several advantages, including a clear view of stratigraphy and a chronological framework for understanding human activities over time. However, it can be more time-consuming and may require more detailed planning than horizontal excavation methods, which focus on exposing large areas of a site simultaneously. Horizontal excavation can reveal spatial relationships among artifacts across broader contexts but may overlook important stratigraphic information. Evaluating both methods helps researchers choose the best approach based on specific research questions and site conditions.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock or soil layers (strata) to understand the chronological sequence of events and the relationships between different layers.

Excavation Units: Defined sections of an archaeological site that are excavated systematically to analyze specific areas in detail.

Context:

The relationship and association of artifacts, features, and ecofacts within their spatial and temporal settings, which is crucial for interpreting archaeological findings.