Stratum

Definition

A stratum is a layer of sedimentary rock or soil that has distinct characteristics, formed through various geological processes over time. In archaeology, understanding stratification is crucial as it helps to establish a chronological sequence of human activity and environmental changes at a site. Each stratum represents a different period, allowing archaeologists to interpret the cultural and historical context of artifacts and features found within them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strata are formed through processes such as sedimentation, erosion, and natural events like volcanic eruptions or floods that can contribute layers over time.
2. Each stratum can contain artifacts or ecofacts that reflect the activities of past cultures, making it essential for establishing chronological order during excavation.
3. In archaeological practice, careful recording of strata helps to maintain the integrity of the site's context, which is vital for accurate analysis and interpretation.
4. Stratification can indicate changes in human behavior, technology, and environment, showing how societies adapted over time to their surroundings.
5. The principle of superposition states that in undisturbed strata, the oldest layers are at the bottom while the most recent are at the top, aiding in chronological dating.

Review Questions

• How does understanding strata contribute to establishing a chronological sequence in archaeological sites?
  • Understanding strata allows archaeologists to create a timeline of human activity by analyzing the different layers present at a site. Each stratum represents a specific time period during which certain activities took place, with artifacts found within those layers providing context. By examining the order and characteristics of these layers, archaeologists can piece together a more accurate history of cultural developments and changes over time.
• Discuss how stratigraphy plays a role in interpreting archaeological findings from a site.
  • Stratigraphy is fundamental in interpreting archaeological findings because it provides insight into how artifacts relate to each other within the context of their respective layers. By analyzing the stratification of a site, archaeologists can determine which artifacts are older or newer based on their position within the strata. This process allows for a clearer understanding of cultural practices, technological advancements, and environmental changes that occurred during different periods reflected in the strata.
• Evaluate the impact of site formation processes on the stratification observed at archaeological sites.
  • Site formation processes significantly impact the stratification observed at archaeological sites by influencing how materials are deposited and preserved over time. Natural processes such as erosion or flooding can alter layers, while human activities like construction or agriculture can disturb them. Understanding these processes helps archaeologists assess how reliable the stratified layers are for interpretation and what biases may exist in the data they recover from those layers.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The branch of geology concerned with the study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), which helps to understand the temporal sequence of geological and archaeological events.

Context: The relationship of artifacts, features, and ecofacts within their physical setting, including their position within strata, which provides insights into their use and significance.

Site Formation Processes: The various natural and cultural processes that affect the deposition, preservation, and alteration of archaeological materials over time, shaping the stratification observed at a site.