Methods and techniques for excavating prehistoric sites 
Automatic translate
Archeology is a fascinating activity aimed at uncovering the secrets of our past through the study of artifacts, structures and landscapes. In particular, prehistoric settlements hold a wealth of information about early human societies and their way of life. To reveal this knowledge, archaeologists use various methods and techniques of excavation.
1. Stratigraphy: Unraveling the layers of time
One of the first tasks of archaeological excavations is stratigraphy - the analysis of layers of sedimentary rocks and soil that accumulate over time. Prehistoric objects often contain layers containing remains from different time periods. By carefully studying these layers, archaeologists can reconstruct the chronological sequence of events and activities. At the same time, they are guided by the law of superposition, according to which the deeper layers are older than those that are closer to the surface.
2. Coordinate system: Accuracy and documentation
Excavations often use a grid system to ensure the accuracy and reliability of documentation. The site is divided into smaller sectors, often squares or rectangles, allowing archaeologists to methodically excavate site by site. Such a systematic approach allows keeping a clear record of the places where artifacts and objects were found, which is very important for studying the history of an object.
3. Spatulas and brushes: Delicate work
The fragile nature of prehistoric artifacts requires careful handling. Spatulas and brushes are indispensable tools in the archaeological arsenal, allowing you to carefully remove layers of sediment and expose hidden artifacts. The challenge is to preserve the fragile remains and expose them for analysis at the same time.
4. Screening: Recovery of small finds
Not all valuable artifacts are visible at once. Sieving involves passing excavated soil through a mesh sieve that separates small items such as bone fragments, seeds, and pottery shards from the rest of the material. These tiny finds can give insight into the diet, trade and daily activities of prehistoric societies.
5. Documentation and photography: Fixation
It is very important to record every stage of the excavation. Archaeologists carefully document the context in which artifacts were found, noting their position in the stratigraphic layers. An important role in this process is played by photography, which allows you to visually capture the state of the excavation and the relationship of artifacts with the environment.
6. Georadar (Ground-Penetrating Radar, GPR): Non-invasive research
In cases where the preservation of artifacts is of paramount importance, non-invasive methods are used, such as ground-penetrating radar. Georadar uses radar pulses to map subsurface structures without physical impact on the object. This method is especially useful for identifying buried objects or architectural structures without excavation.
7. Radiocarbon dating: Revealing the chronology
Radiocarbon dating is a revolutionary method that allows archaeologists to determine the age of organic materials found in prehistoric sites. By measuring the decay of carbon isotopes, scientists can determine the age of artifacts, bones, and other remains with remarkable accuracy. This tool has greatly expanded our understanding of the chronology of prehistoric periods.
The excavation of prehistoric settlements is a painstaking process that combines scientific rigor and historical curiosity. Stratigraphy, grid systems, tools such as spatulas and brushes, and modern techniques such as ground penetrating radar and radiocarbon dating combine to unravel the intricate histories of our ancient ancestors. With the help of these methods and techniques, archaeologists are uncovering not just artifacts, but a complex web of human history spanning millennia.
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