Final answer:
The purpose of archaeological excavation is to uncover and study artifacts and other remains from historic and prehistoric human-inhabited sites. It involves careful and scientific processes to document the artifacts in their original location and understand the cultural practices and environmental conditions of the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of archaeological excavation is to uncover and study artifacts and other remains from historic and prehistoric human-inhabited sites. Archaeologists use excavation as a scientific process to carefully uncover and document artifacts and features in their original location (in situ) using a grid system. The artifacts and remnants found in excavations provide valuable insights into how people lived in the past, their cultural practices, and the historical and environmental conditions that shaped them.
Archaeological excavation involves various techniques such as trowels and toothbrushes to carefully remove earth from fragile artifacts. Soil samples may be collected for pollen studies, and ecofacts, such as seeds and animal bones, are examined by specialists to understand the relationships between plants, animals, and humans over time.
The excavation process is slow and meticulous, with the goal of leaving artifacts and sites as safe as possible. Controlled excavations aim to preserve and interpret artifacts, leaving them in their original place whenever possible, before cataloging and recording them for future research and analysis.