Archaeological Terms

Archaeological Dig (or Excavation)

Artefacts (man-made object)

Grid system

How do archaeologist find sites?

Many sites are reported by people who are constantly working on the land – e.g, farmers and ranchers.

How do archaeologists find sites?

Aerial Photography

How sites are chosen?Rescue Archaeology

An archaeologist must prevent the loss of valuable remains by salvaging whatever artefacts are present before roads or buildings are built.

How sites are chosen?Legends and stories

Excavation of Troy

Many legends and myths are based on real people and places. Over time they become exaggerated and unbelievable. Sifting the embellishment from these legends often leaves a factual narrative helpful to the archaeologist.

Tools - Hand Pick

Tools - Brush

Tools - Soil Sifter (sieve)

Tools - Trowel

Tools - Flat edged shovel

Tools - Surveying Equipment

Tools – Field Computer

How objects are dated? Dendrochronology

Dendrochronology or tree-ring dating is the scientific method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings.

How objects are dated? Stratigraphy

How objects are dated? Carbon Dating