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Understanding Stratigraphy in Archaeology

Stratigraphy refers to the study of layers in soil and geology to determine the relative ages of archaeological materials by applying the Law of Superposition. It can provide insight into depositional processes and the condition of sites and artifacts. However, post-depositional natural and human processes can result in complex stratigraphy, requiring caution and consideration of alterations that could distort chronological understanding. Profiles from multiple excavation units are necessary to avoid misinterpreting complex stratigraphy caused by phenomena like digging or mudslides.

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Syeha Abdal Nasher
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41 views2 pages

Understanding Stratigraphy in Archaeology

Stratigraphy refers to the study of layers in soil and geology to determine the relative ages of archaeological materials by applying the Law of Superposition. It can provide insight into depositional processes and the condition of sites and artifacts. However, post-depositional natural and human processes can result in complex stratigraphy, requiring caution and consideration of alterations that could distort chronological understanding. Profiles from multiple excavation units are necessary to avoid misinterpreting complex stratigraphy caused by phenomena like digging or mudslides.

Uploaded by

Syeha Abdal Nasher
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chronological Methods 4 - Stratigraphy

Stratigraphy is the study of strata, or layers. Specifically, stratigraphy


refers to the application of the Law of Superposition to soil and
geological strata containing archaeological materials in order to
determine the relative ages of layers. In addition, stratigraphy can tell
us much about the processes affecting the deposition of soils, and the
condition of sites and artifacts. These are called postdepositional
processes, and their study is part of Middle Range Theory.

As this example has shown you, post depositional processes, both


natural and human, can result in very complex stratigraphy.
Although stratigraphy and the Law of Superposition can help us
determine the relative ages of occupations, one must be very alert to
alterations in stratigraphy that may throw chronological reckoning
off. Various phenomena, such as hole digging or mudslides, can
completely reverse stratigraphy. Thus, long profiles or profiles from a
number of units are necessary to avoid misinterpretation.

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