Stratigraphy (archaeology)

The concept derives from the geological use of the idea that sedimentation takes place according to uniform principles.

Archaeological stratification or sequence is the dynamic superimposition of single units of stratigraphy, or contexts.

Contexts are single events or actions that leave discrete, detectable traces in the archaeological sequence or stratigraphy.

It is more useful to think of "higher" as it relates to the context's position in a Harris matrix, a two-dimensional representation of a site's formation in space and time.

They are derived from the principles of stratigraphy in geology but have been adapted to reflect the different nature of archaeological deposits.

The terminology of these larger clusters varies depending on the practitioner, but the terms interface, sub-group, and group are common.

Some degree of dating objects by their position in the sequence can be made with known datable elements of the archaeological record or other assumed datable contexts deduced by a regressive form of relative dating which in turn can fix events represented by contexts to some range in time.

In practice a huge amount of cross referencing with other recorded sequences is required to produce dating series from stratigraphic relationships such as the work in seriation.

Archaeological stratigraphy at the Iron Age site of Goosehill Camp on Bow Hill , West Sussex in Southern England.
Neat stratification in Athens (Ceramicus Cemetery).
Image with three phases of stratigraphy
Illustration of the principles of archaeological stratigraphy
Figure A
Figure B