Discuss: Methods by which archaeologists carry out the uncovering or excavation of archaeological sites

Archaeologists do not just dig holes of random sizes until something is found. The dimensions of each hole is determined before excavation begins and is sectioned off with rope, usually in one by one meter units. Once the excavation starts the hole is dug down evenly in levels. It is imperative when digging the unit to keep all walls smooth and straight and to excavate soils of different colors within a level separately. These areas …

…is complete or not producing any further finds a profile map of the walls is drawn to show soil changes through the unit. Photographs of features and completed units are also taken to further document the excavation. Once a unit has been excavated there is no way to go back and check for overlooked information, which makes it imperative to continuously record all findings to maximise the knowledge we can obtain from any given excavation.