Stratigraphic excavation

Definition

Stratigraphic excavation is a systematic method used to study archaeological sites by carefully removing layers of soil and sediment to reveal the chronological sequence of human activity. This technique helps researchers understand how different layers were formed over time, reflecting the site's history and the environmental conditions at various points. It’s crucial for reconstructing past behaviors, cultures, and the processes that shaped the archaeological record.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stratigraphic excavation often involves digging in a grid system to maintain precise control over the location and depth of artifacts.
2. Each layer of soil removed during stratigraphic excavation is documented carefully, providing insights into the site's history and the timing of human activities.
3. The principle of superposition states that lower layers are older than those above them, helping archaeologists date artifacts based on their depth within the stratigraphic profile.
4. Stratigraphic excavation helps minimize damage to artifacts by allowing for the careful removal of materials from their original context.
5. Understanding site formation processes is essential when interpreting stratigraphic layers, as disturbances can complicate the relationship between layers.

Review Questions

• How does stratigraphic excavation enhance our understanding of past human behaviors and cultural practices?
  • Stratigraphic excavation enhances our understanding by meticulously revealing the chronological order of human activities through distinct soil layers. Each layer can indicate different periods or events, showing how cultures evolved over time. By analyzing these layers, archaeologists can connect artifacts and features to specific time frames and understand the context in which they were used, leading to deeper insights into past behaviors and societal changes.
• Discuss the significance of documenting each layer during stratigraphic excavation for future archaeological research.
  • Documenting each layer during stratigraphic excavation is vital as it preserves detailed records of the site's history for future research. This documentation allows archaeologists to track changes over time, interpret the relationships between different artifacts, and understand the processes that shaped the site. Without thorough records, important contextual information could be lost, making it challenging to reconstruct past events accurately.
• Evaluate the impact of site formation processes on the results obtained from stratigraphic excavation.
  • Site formation processes significantly impact the results of stratigraphic excavation by influencing how layers are deposited and preserved. Natural events like erosion or flooding can alter layer sequences, while human activities such as construction or plowing can disturb artifacts. Evaluating these processes helps archaeologists recognize potential biases in their findings and adjust their interpretations accordingly. Understanding these influences ensures a more accurate reconstruction of the site's history and prevents misinterpretation of artifacts due to disturbances.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), which helps in understanding the chronological sequence of geological and archaeological events.

Context: The relationship of an artifact or feature to its surroundings, including its location within a layer, which provides information about its use and significance.

Site Formation Processes: The various natural and cultural processes that affect how archaeological sites are created, altered, and preserved over time.