Phase (archaeology)

These often but not always will be a representation of a former land surface or occupation level and all associated features that were created into or from this point in time.

Subsequent or earlier phases are representations in changing occupation patterns and land use over time.

Phasing is achieved by compiling smaller groups of contexts together through the use of stratification and stratigraphic excavation into ever larger units of understanding.

The terminology of these sub-units or collections of contexts varies depending on practitioner, but the terms interface, sub-group, group, and feature are common.

Phasing is achieved on site by many methods including intuition and experience, but the main analytical tool post excavation is the Harris matrix.