Stratigraphic excavation

Definition

Stratigraphic excavation is a method of archaeological excavation that focuses on the careful removal of soil and artifacts in layers, or strata, to understand the chronological sequence of human activity at a site. This technique emphasizes the relationship between different layers of soil and artifacts, allowing archaeologists to construct a timeline of past events and cultural developments. By analyzing these layers, researchers can gain insights into the site's history, settlement patterns, and the environmental conditions during different periods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stratigraphic excavation allows for the identification of different cultural phases by analyzing changes in material remains across various strata.
2. Each layer removed during stratigraphic excavation is documented meticulously to ensure accurate recording of artifacts' positions and associations.
3. This method is crucial for understanding site formation processes, as it reveals how natural and human activities have shaped the archaeological record over time.
4. Excavation is often accompanied by stratigraphic profiles, which are detailed drawings showing the vertical arrangement of layers and their relationships.
5. Stratigraphic excavation can help establish relative dating through techniques such as seriation, where changes in styles and frequencies of artifacts are analyzed over time.

Review Questions

• How does stratigraphic excavation enhance our understanding of archaeological sites compared to non-stratigraphic methods?
  • Stratigraphic excavation enhances our understanding by providing a detailed chronological framework that non-stratigraphic methods often lack. By focusing on the careful removal of soil in distinct layers, archaeologists can track changes over time in both artifacts and environmental conditions. This layered approach allows for a more accurate reconstruction of past human activities and cultural changes, leading to richer interpretations of the site's history.
• Discuss the importance of context in stratigraphic excavation and how it impacts interpretations of findings.
  • Context is vital in stratigraphic excavation because it shapes how findings are interpreted within their specific layers. Understanding the spatial relationships between artifacts and features helps researchers make sense of how people interacted with their environment and each other. For instance, an artifact found in one stratum might suggest a different cultural practice than if it were located in another layer, thus influencing historical narratives about human behavior at the site.
• Evaluate the role of stratigraphic excavation in constructing a comprehensive chronology for significant archaeological sites like Megiddo.
  • Stratigraphic excavation plays a crucial role in constructing a comprehensive chronology for sites like Megiddo by allowing archaeologists to differentiate between various occupation phases based on their respective strata. By systematically excavating these layers and analyzing artifacts within their context, researchers can establish a clearer timeline of human activity, including transitions between different cultures and historical events. This method not only provides insights into Megiddo's complex past but also enhances our understanding of broader regional developments during significant historical periods.

Related terms

Stratum:

A layer of sediment or soil that has distinct characteristics, representing a specific period of deposition or human activity.

Context:

The relationship of an artifact or feature to its surroundings, including its position within a stratum and its associations with other materials.

Trowel: A small hand tool used in archaeology for precise excavation and the careful removal of soil from specific layers.