Horizontal excavation

Definition

Horizontal excavation is a method used in archaeology that involves digging a site in a horizontal plane to uncover artifacts and features spread across a wide area, rather than focusing on depth. This approach allows archaeologists to understand the layout of a site and how different layers and artifacts relate to each other spatially. By employing this technique, researchers can effectively map out the relationships between various elements at a site, contributing significantly to understanding the historical context of the findings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Horizontal excavation is particularly useful for uncovering large, open areas of a site that contain multiple features or artifacts from various time periods.
2. This method often requires careful planning to ensure that the relationships between artifacts are documented accurately for future analysis.
3. Archaeologists often use grid systems to organize their horizontal excavations, which helps in mapping and recording findings systematically.
4. It is essential to document the position and context of each artifact collected during horizontal excavation to maintain the integrity of the archaeological record.
5. Horizontal excavation can reveal how different cultures interacted with one another over time, providing insights into trade, migration, and social structures.

Review Questions

• How does horizontal excavation differ from vertical excavation, and what advantages does it offer in understanding an archaeological site?
  • Horizontal excavation focuses on uncovering artifacts and features across a wide area rather than digging deep into the ground. This approach allows archaeologists to see the spatial relationships between various elements, revealing how different features interact with one another. It is especially advantageous for understanding how people utilized a space over time, as it captures a broader picture of cultural activity at a site.
• In what ways does horizontal excavation contribute to effective site mapping and documentation during an archaeological dig?
  • Horizontal excavation aids in effective site mapping by allowing archaeologists to create detailed maps that illustrate the spatial distribution of artifacts and features. By using a grid system, they can precisely document where each find is located relative to others, ensuring that context is maintained. This comprehensive documentation enhances the understanding of how artifacts relate to each other and their surrounding environment, ultimately enriching the interpretation of the site's history.
• Evaluate how horizontal excavation methods can impact relative dating techniques applied at archaeological sites.
  • Horizontal excavation methods significantly enhance relative dating techniques by providing clearer contexts for artifact associations. When artifacts are unearthed in relation to one another within a horizontal plane, it becomes easier to establish chronological sequences based on their stratigraphic relationships. This spatial data allows researchers to infer which items are contemporaneous and better understand cultural phases over time, thereby strengthening the accuracy of relative dating assessments.

Related terms

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering, which helps archaeologists understand the chronological sequence of a site.

Context: The relationship between artifacts and their surrounding environment, including their spatial, temporal, and functional aspects.

Test Excavation: A preliminary digging process aimed at assessing the archaeological potential of a site by sampling various areas.