3. How do historians and archaeologists differ in relation to the main sources that they use for writing history?
4. List two ways archaeologists can find a site to excavate. 5. How do geophysical surveys help archaeologists?
See Chapter 2 in the Skills Book for further questions.
How Do Archaeologists Excavate Sites?
Once the sites are found, archaeologists have to dig into the ground (excavate) to get evidence. The excavation or ‘dig’ is planned carefully. Excavations show human activities at a particular time and changes over time. But because excavations destroy much of the evidence, everything has to be recorded.
Explain how excavations are carried out
Explain how archaeologists test the evidence
Explain how archaeologists date objects (artefacts)
Explain how archaeological evidence is preserved and destroyed
Explain conservation
Key Words Survey
Stratigraphy Tree-ring dating Dendrochronology Radiocarbon dating Post holes Pollen
Conservation Archaeological investigation
1. The first step is to survey the site and draw an accurate plan of the area. 2. Mechanical diggers can be used to take away topsoil, if necessary. 3. A grid of squares is mapped or laid out to record each of the ‘finds’ accurately. 4. Archaeologists dig the ground carefully, using shovels and trowels. 5. Archaeologists use brushes to clear around objects. 6. Sieves are used to recover small artefacts (objects).