The Process of Archaeology The Process of Archaeology
Pre-field Investigations Fieldwork Lab Analysis Interpretation Synthesis
FAQ's Native Technology Glossary Home
Archaeology is the science that seeks to learn about past humans and their culture from the material remains that were left behind. Archaeology is not "treasure hunting," and involves much more than just finding and digging up those material remains or artifacts. Archaeologists try to tease out as much information as possible about the past from a small sample of sometimes poorly preserved or fragmentary material objects. Modern archaeologists may spend three or more times longer in the lab than they do in the field-trying to discover the meaning behind the artifacts they have found. This website will explore the whole process of archaeology, from the initial research and logistics to the final analyses and interpretations that bring the past to life.

And archaeologists don't dig dinosaurs. Paleontologists deal with the past and fossils where no humans are involved.

Pre-Field Investigations Fieldwork Lab Analysis Interpretation Synthesis