Archaeology is the scientific study of past human societies through excavating physical evidence. An archaeologist's site is chosen based on artifacts or history found on the surface or from sources. A unit is a square area an archaeologist chooses to dig within. Setting up a 2x2 unit involves measuring sides that are 200 cm and calculating the hypotenuse. Tools used include shovels, trowels, measuring tapes, and brushes. First the plow zone to 25 cm below the surface is removed, keeping an eye out for artifacts. Below this, changes in soil color indicate features that may contain more artifacts. Careful excavation of 5 cm levels allows examination of each soil layer.

2. What is archaeology?
• The scientific study of
the physical evidence of
past human societies
recovered through the
excavation.
Archaeologists not only
attempt to discover and
describe past cultures,
but to explain the
development of these
cultures.

3. How is a site chosen?
• Our site was chosen
based on:
• A. artifacts already
found on the surface
• B. history of the
area (from sources
or even land owner)

4. What is a unit?
• A unit is a square in
which an
archaeologist has
chosen to dig or
search for artifacts.

5. Setting up a unit
Your unit will be a
“2x2.” You start with
two sides that need to
measure 200 cm.
Using the Pythagorean
Theorem, you will find
the hypotenuse to be
283 cm., your
measurement from
corner to corner
across the middle.
Using this method you
can be sure all sides of
the unit will be 200 cm

6. Tools of the trade…
• There are several
tools you can use
when looking for
artifacts. Some of
them are…
a spade, a shovel, a
trowel, a measuring
tape, a bamboo pick,
a pencil, a file, a
paint brush and
clippers.

7. AND don’t
forget the
sunscreen
and bug
spray!!!!

8. First using shovels
and spades, you need to
remove the plow zone,
which reaches about 25
cm below the surface.
Keep your eyes peeled
for artifacts such as
flakes that can be found
in the plow zone!
Removing the Plow Zone

9. Once the plow zone is removed, you may
find changes in the soil color. These are
called stains. Once a stain is found, you can
be sure you have discovered a feature within
the unit and then you can get down and
DIRTY!!!!!!!!!
There is a
chance you
will find
artifacts
below this…

10. Working at a dig site…
• To begin excavating
your feature you
will need to
CAREFULLY
remove the soil 5
cm. at a time. Each
5 cm of soil is
called a level.

11. Smile 