Why Is Archeology Always Buried? Unearthing the Secrets Beneath Our Feet

The simple answer is that archeology is buried because the ground level rises over time. Human activities, natural processes, and the relentless march of years conspire to create layers of sediment that conceal the remnants of past civilizations. It’s a story of accumulation, abandonment, and the Earth reclaiming what was once built upon it.

The Gradual Ascent: How Cities Bury Themselves

Human Contribution: Building Upwards

One of the most significant contributors to the “burial” of archeology is, ironically, human construction. Ancient cities weren’t built with modern sanitation or comprehensive waste management. As structures deteriorated, they weren’t always completely dismantled and removed. Instead, broken walls, collapsed roofs, and discarded debris were often simply leveled and built upon. This process, repeated over centuries, creates a layer-cake effect, with each new generation literally building on the remains of the old.

Nature’s Role: Sedimentation and Erosion

Natural processes play a vital role in burying the past. Sedimentation, the deposition of soil, sand, and silt by wind and water, relentlessly covers landscapes. Rivers flood, leaving behind layers of fertile silt. Windblown dust accumulates over time, creating thick layers of loess. Even seemingly insignificant events like rainfall can contribute to the slow but steady accumulation of sediment. Simultaneously, erosion wears down existing structures, scattering their components and further contributing to the rising ground level.

Abandonment and Decay

When a settlement is abandoned, nature accelerates its work. Without human maintenance, buildings crumble, and vegetation takes root. The decaying organic matter combines with sediment, forming a dark, rich soil layer that buries the ruins beneath. Over time, what was once a bustling city becomes a silent, overgrown mound, its secrets hidden beneath the soil.

The Reuse Factor: Why We Only Find Buried Remnants

Another factor is the tendency for humans to reuse valuable building materials. As the provided article states, “Humans steal the best bits to reuse in other buildings, and erosion wears everything else to dust.” This means that the easily accessible and reusable parts of ancient structures are often repurposed in later constructions, leaving behind only the less desirable or buried components for archeologists to discover. Therefore, the surviving ruins are often those that were already partially buried or otherwise inaccessible.

Archeology: Digging Through Time

Given the relentless burial of the past, it’s no wonder that archeologists spend so much time digging. They are, in effect, peeling back the layers of time, meticulously removing the accumulated sediment to reveal the hidden stories of past civilizations. This process requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of geological processes and human history. The deeper they dig, the further back in time they travel, uncovering artifacts and structures that provide invaluable insights into the lives and cultures of our ancestors. The study of the past, however, can be augmented by learning through play, explore further through the Games Learning Society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that dive deeper into the fascinating world of archeology:

1. Is archeology a dead field?

Absolutely not! As the provided article indicates, archeology is an employment growth area. The increasing importance of cultural heritage management and the growing demand for archeological expertise in both the public and private sectors ensures that there are ample opportunities for skilled archeologists.

2. How do archeologists decide where to dig?

Archeologists employ a variety of techniques to identify potential dig sites. These include:

• Examination of air photos and satellite imagery: Revealing subtle patterns and anomalies in the landscape.
• Remote sensing techniques: Such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which can detect subsurface features without disturbing the soil.
• Historical records and local knowledge: Clues from written documents and oral traditions can point to the location of lost settlements.
• Surface surveys: Carefully examining the ground for artifacts or structural remains.

3. Do archeologists get to keep what they find?

No. Professional archeologists do not keep, buy, sell, or trade any artifacts. All discoveries belong to the public and are meticulously documented and analyzed to contribute to our understanding of the past. The goal is to share the knowledge gained with the world, not to hoard treasures.

4. Is it illegal to sell ancient artifacts?

The legality of selling ancient artifacts is complex and varies depending on the laws of the country of origin and international agreements. Generally, selling artifacts without proper documentation is illegal and contributes to the destruction of archeological sites and the loss of valuable historical information.

5. What happens if I find an ancient artifact?

If you find an artifact, DO NOT remove it from its location. Document the location as precisely as possible (using GPS if available) and report your finding to the appropriate authorities, such as a local archeological society or museum. Removing an artifact from its context can destroy valuable information about its age, use, and relationship to other artifacts.

6. How do archeologists know when to stop digging?

The decision to stop digging is based on a variety of factors, including:

• Reaching “sterile” layers: Soil layers that show no evidence of human occupation.
• Limited resources: Funding and time constraints often dictate the scope of an excavation.
• Environmental concerns: Protecting sensitive ecosystems or avoiding damage to nearby structures.
• Research questions are answered: Sufficient data has been collected to address the research questions that guided the excavation.

7. How do archeologists make money?

Archeologists find employment in various settings, including:

• Government agencies: Working for federal, state, or local governments on cultural resource management projects.
• Museums and historic sites: Curating collections, conducting research, and educating the public.
• Colleges and universities: Teaching courses and conducting research.
• Engineering firms: Assessing the impact of construction projects on archeological resources.

8. Can you be an archeologist without digging?

Yes! Non-invasive archeological techniques are becoming increasingly important. These include:

• Geophysical surveys: Using instruments like magnetometers, resistivity meters, and ground-penetrating radar to detect subsurface features without excavation.
• Remote sensing: Analyzing aerial photographs and satellite imagery to identify potential sites.
• Documentary research: Studying historical maps, records, and photographs.

9. Are archeologists paid well?

The average salary for archeologists varies depending on their experience, education, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for anthropologists and archeologists is around $66,130 per year. Salaries can be higher for specialized positions or those in high-demand areas.

10. What are the disadvantages of archeology?

Some of the challenges of archeology include:

• The difficulty of dating evidence accurately.
• The limited and often fragmented nature of the archeological record.
• The demanding physical labor involved in excavation.
• The ethical considerations of disturbing human remains and cultural heritage sites.

11. Is Grave Robbing archeology?

No. Grave robbing is not archeology. While both involve excavating the past, archeology is a scientific discipline conducted with ethical principles, legal oversight, and the goal of understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Grave robbing is illegal and unethical, driven by personal gain and disregard for the historical and cultural value of the remains.

12. Why is archeology expensive?

The cost of archeology is influenced by several factors:

• Remote locations: Sites are often far from urban centers, requiring travel and logistical support.
• Time-consuming research: Thorough excavation, documentation, and analysis take considerable time and resources.
• Specialized equipment: Archeologists need specialized tools, equipment, and technology.
• Expert personnel: Skilled archeologists, specialists, and support staff are essential for successful projects.

13. Do archeologists dig up dinosaurs?

No, paleontologists dig up dinosaurs. Archeologists study past human life and culture, while paleontologists study the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms from prehistoric times.

14. How do archeologists date what they find in the ground?

Archeologists use a variety of dating methods, including:

• Relative dating: Determining the age of an artifact based on its position in the soil layers relative to other artifacts.
• Absolute dating: Using scientific techniques to determine the specific age of an object, such as radiocarbon dating (C-14 dating), which measures the decay of radioactive carbon in organic materials.

15. Can you keep an artifact if you find it?

No. Artifacts found on public or private land belong to the public. If you find an artifact, document its location and report it to the appropriate authorities. Preserving the context of the artifact is crucial for understanding its historical significance. Furthermore, consider exploring archeological concepts and skills through innovative educational resources found at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Archeology is a vital field that connects us to our past, offering invaluable insights into the human experience. By understanding the processes that bury the past, and utilizing innovative methods to uncover it, we can continue to learn from those who came before us.