Site survey

Definition

A site survey is a systematic process used in archaeology to identify, document, and evaluate the distribution of archaeological remains across a specific area. This method helps researchers understand the spatial relationships between different sites and their surrounding environments, which is crucial for interpreting the development of urban and rural areas. By employing various techniques such as walking surveys, remote sensing, and sampling, site surveys provide essential data that informs further excavation and study.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Site surveys often involve a combination of walking across the landscape and documenting any visible archaeological remains, such as pottery shards or building foundations.
2. The data gathered from site surveys can reveal how urban areas developed over time and how they interacted with surrounding rural settlements.
3. Site surveys help establish a baseline for understanding the archaeological record in an area before any excavation takes place.
4. These surveys can also identify potential areas for further study, directing limited resources to the most promising locations for excavations.
5. Remote sensing technologies, like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), can enhance site surveys by revealing features hidden under vegetation or soil.

Review Questions

• How do site surveys contribute to our understanding of the development of Roman cities and towns?
  • Site surveys play a critical role in understanding the development of Roman cities and towns by mapping out the distribution of archaeological remains and identifying patterns of urban growth. Through systematic documentation, researchers can see how urban centers expanded, the locations of important public buildings, and the relationships between various parts of the city. This information helps us piece together the historical narrative of urban development during Roman times.
• In what ways can the findings from a site survey influence archaeological excavation strategies in urban versus rural contexts?
  • The findings from a site survey can significantly influence excavation strategies by identifying areas with high artifact density or important features that warrant further exploration. In urban contexts, this might mean focusing on sites near former public spaces or infrastructure, while in rural contexts, it could involve investigating farmsteads or trade routes. These strategic choices ensure that resources are allocated effectively to yield meaningful results based on preliminary survey data.
• Evaluate the impact of modern technology on site surveys and its implications for understanding urban-rural relationships in Roman archaeology.
  • Modern technology has transformed site surveys by allowing archaeologists to gather more comprehensive data quickly and efficiently. Techniques like GIS and remote sensing provide insights into the landscape that traditional methods might miss, revealing patterns of settlement and land use that illuminate the interaction between urban centers and rural areas. As a result, these advancements not only enhance our understanding of how Roman cities functioned within their environments but also challenge previous assumptions about urban-rural dynamics, prompting a reevaluation of archaeological interpretations.

Related terms

GIS (Geographic Information Systems): A technology used to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial and geographic data, which can enhance site surveys by mapping archaeological features.

Test excavation: A preliminary digging method used to assess the presence of archaeological artifacts or features in a specific location, often following a site survey.

Artifact distribution: The pattern and location of artifacts found within an archaeological site, which can be analyzed to understand human activity and settlement patterns.