Archaeologist how-to

How to Excavate a Unit in Levels

Careful digging preserves context.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Careful digging preserves context. In short: set; record; dig, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Set up the unit.

  2. Record the start depth.

  3. Dig in even levels.

  4. Screen all soil.

  5. Bag finds by level.

  6. Record each level.

Safety reminders for archaeologists

  • Follow trench safety
  • Watch heat and weather
  • Watch for wildlife
  • Follow site safety plans

Artifact · Feature · Stratigraphy · Provenience · Unit · Screen: see the full archaeologist glossary.

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