Final answer:
The physical medium in archaeology is the material environment surrounding and supporting archaeological remains, vital for interpreting the archaeological context. Archaeological restoration involves conservation techniques, such as backfilling, to maintain the integrity of exposed remains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical medium that surrounds, holds, or supports archaeological remains is essentially the material environment that encompasses the artifacts, features, and ecofacts within an archaeological site. This includes soil, sediments, and the various naturally occurring materials in which remains of past human activities are preserved. Understanding the physical medium is critical for interpreting the archaeological context, which is vital to determine the significance, association, and possibly the age of the found objects.
The archaeological context of an object includes its position in relation to other objects as well as its location within the different layers of the physical medium. Artifacts that remain in the place where they were originally deposited, undisturbed, are said to be in their primary context. If these objects are moved, for any reason, before they are properly documented, they then exist in a secondary context, complicating the interpretation of their function and relevance within the archaeological record.
Archaeological restoration involves the conservation and protection of remains revealed through excavation. This can include strategies such as backfilling and carefully applying modern materials in a way that they harmonize with the ancient to preserve the integrity of the site. This process helps ensure that future research can continue to benefit from these cultural and historical resources, and contributes to maintaining the veracity of the archaeological record for further analysis.