What does an Archaeologist Do?

Survey

A study of a site carried out before archaeologists start digging.

How is an excavation or dig carried out?

1. A JCB removes the topsoil. 2. A trowel is used to scrape away soil. 3. A handpick is used to loosen soil. 4. Brushes are used to carefully clean remains found. 5. Soil is sieved to check for remains. 6. Photographs are taken of any remains found.

How is a site prepared for excavation?

1. Geophysical Survey - like an X-ray to look underneath the soil. 2. Test Trenches are dug. 3. Aerial photographs are taken from above the site. 4. A detailed plan is made.

What can archaeologists learn from a skeleton?

1. The gender - told by the pelvis or the skull 2. The height - calculated based on the length of the thigh / femur bone. 3. The age - told by the teeth 4. What the person looked like - Facial reconstruction can now happen if an intact skull is found.

Stratigraphy

Dates objects based on the depth at which they are found in the soil.

Radio Carbon Dating

Dates remains of that once lived by measuring the amount of Carbon 14 present. The older the object the less carbon present.

Dendrochronology

Dates wooden objects based on the amount of rings inside the trunk.

Rescue Archaeology

Excavation that occurs before a construction project, e.g. building or creating a new road.

Artefacts

Objects made by humans e.g. coins, tools and pottery

Archaeology

The study of remains left by people from the past

Research Archaeology

When a site is chosen for excavation because there is evidence that objects may be found.

Excavate

When archaeologists dig in the ground looking for remains from the past