Excavation

Definition

Excavation is the systematic process of uncovering and studying archaeological sites by removing soil and debris to reveal artifacts, structures, and features of past human activity. This method is crucial for understanding historical contexts, preserving cultural heritage, and reconstructing ancient environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Excavation techniques vary depending on the type of site, including methods like test pits, grid excavation, and open-area excavation.
2. Proper excavation involves careful documentation of each layer and context in which artifacts are found to maintain their historical significance.
3. The process of excavation can uncover not just artifacts but also features such as walls, hearths, and postholes that indicate how people lived.
4. Excavation at sites like Pompeii has provided incredible insights into daily life during the Roman Empire, showcasing well-preserved buildings and artworks.
5. Hiram Bingham's excavations at Machu Picchu revealed significant Incan architecture and artifacts, leading to a greater understanding of Incan civilization.

Review Questions

• How does excavation contribute to our understanding of historical contexts in archaeology?
  • Excavation allows archaeologists to systematically uncover artifacts, structures, and features from past human activity, providing crucial evidence for interpreting historical contexts. By removing soil carefully and documenting findings at various stratigraphic layers, excavators can reconstruct the sequence of events that shaped a site over time. This understanding helps in piecing together how people lived, their cultural practices, and how societies evolved.
• Discuss the significance of excavation techniques used at Pompeii after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
  • Excavation techniques employed at Pompeii were vital in revealing the city frozen in time after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Archaeologists utilized systematic grid methods to uncover streets, homes, and public buildings while preserving delicate frescoes and mosaics. The findings from these excavations not only highlighted the architectural sophistication of Roman life but also provided an extraordinary glimpse into everyday activities, social interactions, and urban planning during that era.
• Evaluate the impact of Hiram Bingham's excavations on our contemporary understanding of Incan culture and its legacy.
  • Hiram Bingham's excavations at Machu Picchu dramatically transformed our contemporary understanding of Incan culture by uncovering extensive architectural remains and artifacts that illustrated their advanced engineering and agricultural practices. His work highlighted the sophistication of Incan society and their spiritual connections to the landscape. However, Bingham’s approach also sparked debates about ethical practices in archaeology regarding artifact ownership and cultural preservation, shaping modern perspectives on how archaeological research should be conducted responsibly with respect for indigenous heritage.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers and layering, important in archaeology for understanding the chronological sequence of events at a site based on the layers of soil and artifacts.

Site Survey: A method used to identify and assess archaeological sites by systematically examining a landscape and documenting the location of artifacts and features.

Artifact: Any object made or modified by humans, often uncovered during excavation, which provides valuable information about past cultures and societies.