Modern archaeological projects always have a specific goal. Whether they intended to record and preserve a site under threat or to research a particular aspect of the history of a site or group of sites, they use a variety of techniques to gather information. The collective term for these techniques is fieldwork and it involves much more than excavating a site.
Although each dig varies according to the objectives of the project, the following fieldwork techniques will feature to a greater or lesser extent.
Planning
The first stage is to decide the research aims of the project and plan accordingly. Initial research will be conducted to review previous work done on the site or what is known about it in order to decide how best to proceed.
Surveying
Surveying is a way of gaining information about a site by non invasive means. The methods that are used will vary based on the type of site but can include the following:
· Field walking. This involves walking across part of a site scanning the ground for artefacts and recording their exact locations. Generally, the area is marked out by a grid system which has been divided into sectors to help the systematic plotting of finds
· Aerial photography. Using planes and balloons, this is a way of discovering sites or features that are not visible on the ground.
· Site surface survey. The study of the distribution of surface features of a site, which can be used to help establish extent.
· Geophysical Survey. Buried features can be identified by measuring the variable electrical resistivity caused by ditches and solid structures and any distortions of the earth’s magnetic field due to the presence of iron.
Surveying is useful to gain an overview of a site. On its own, it does not always satisfy all the project’s requirements. In such cases, excavation is considered.
Excavation
Excavation by its very nature destroys a site. However, there are certain circumstances when it is unavoidable, particularly if a site is under threat from development, environmental damage or it is rare and cannot be fully investigated by non invasive techniques.
Methods of excavation vary. They can be as simple as inserting test trenches across the site to uncover strategic features, a process known as key hole excavation or as complex as a full scale excavation of the horizontal and vertical extent of the site.
The exact method will be determined by the nature of the site and the project. In all cases, systematic recording of the site and finds is vital
Recording and Conserving
This is the method of preserving the information gained from the site. It is usual to use a three dimensional approach, describing, drawing and photographing each find and feature as it is uncovered. The exact vertical and horizontal position will also be recorded and the information referenced, to enable it to be related back to the site as a whole. Finds will be bagged, labelled and sent for classification, cleaning and conservation.
This data will preserve a full picture of the site as well as form the basis for analysis according to the project brief before eventual publication.
Sources
Archaeology: An Introduction (1995) Kevin Greene. B T Batsford Limited. London
Archaeology: Theories, Methods and Practice (1994) Colin Renfrew and Paul Bahn.Thames and Hudson.
Natasha Sheldon - A writer since 2000, Natasha Sheldon holds a BA Hons in ancient history and archaeology and MA in ancient history and historiography.
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