Chapter 1 - People In History (An Archaeologist On A Dig)

Question 1

How is the dig carried out?

Answer 1

• area is sealed off
• the site is prepared for the dig
• the topsoil is removed
• the site is divided into different segments
• the site grid id drawn

Question 2

What tools are involved in the dig?

Answer 2

• trowel for excavation
• sieve
• small brushes
• toothbrushes to remove hardened soil
• photographic scales (red and white poles?
• labels and polythene bags

Question 3

How do the archaeologists date the artefacts?

Answer 3

• carbon 14 dating (accurate up to 50,000 years)
• dendrochronology (the study of tree rings)
• stratigraphy