Question

No matter what excavation method archaeologists choose, there are several steps that they must complete prior to excavation. Identify what must be done before excavation.

A) Conducting a detailed site survey and assessment.
B) Securing the necessary permits and permissions.
C) Assembling a team of experts and skilled labor.
D) Reviewing historical records and existing research on the site.
E) All of the above.

Answer 1

The preparatory steps before an archaeological excavation include conducting a site survey, securing permits, assembling a team of experts, and reviewing previous research. These steps are crucial to ensure a scientific and methodical approach to the excavation process. The correct answer is E) All of the above

Step-by-step explanation:

Before conducting an archaeological excavation, several preparatory steps are necessary. The answer to the question of what must be done before excavation is E) All of the above, which includes:

• Conducting a detailed site survey and assessment to identify potential surface artifacts and document the topography using the latest technologies.
• Securing necessary permits and permissions from relevant authorities to ensure legal compliance.
• Assembling a team of experts including specialists like zooarchaeologists and archaeobotanists, as well as skilled labor.
• Reviewing historical records and existing research to understand past findings and determine the specific point in the site’s history to focus the excavation and potential restorations.

These steps ensure a methodical approach to uncovering artifacts, which is essential for understanding the historical and cultural context of the archaeological site.