Archaeologists investigate material culture to understand our shared human past. They employ a unique blend of science and humanities, and follow a scientific process that includes multiple steps. During a long-term investigation of a site, archaeologists often revisit and revise these steps many times.

Archaeology is a science, and like other sciences, responsible and effective archaeological investigations begin with a research design.  Read More...

Fieldwork is the time when archaeologists get to head out to a site and get their hands dirty. It can be the most fun and exciting part of being an archaeologist. Read More...

Experimental archaeology is a process by which an archaeologist replicates artifacts and features such as structures, tools, or ancient technologies in order to better understand how they were made and used. Read More...

Meanwhile, back in the lab . . .
For every hour archaeologists spend in the field, they will spend many more in a scientific laboratory washing, separating, labeling, cataloging, and analyzing artifacts. Read More...

Interpret
In order to decipher the meaning behind archaeological finds, archaeologists rely on investigative tools that help them figure out how and why a site was formed. Almost more important . . . Read More...