www.le.ac.uk

Introduction to Archaeology

University of Leicester

What is archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of the Human past.

How do you decide where to dig?• Archaeologists have to investigate a site for

archaeological potential before any building or quarrying etc. can take place.

• Sometimes old maps are used to see where interesting buildings might have been and this is used to decide where to excavate.

• If, after the evaluation, the site shows positive archaeological results an excavation can take place……

What Happens next?

• Archaeologists get a JCB to take off the Tarmac or Topsoil to uncover the archaeological layer

• Once this has been done they clean up the exposed layer with trowels and look for any archaeological evidence

What equipment do you use to excavate?

Treasure!

Metal detectors are used to search for objects made out of metal

Recording an excavation

•Measuring a grid• Levelling•Drawing