Archaeological site facts for kids
An archaeological site is a special place where archaeologists dig to learn about the past. It's where they find clues about how people lived long ago. These clues can be old buildings, tools, pottery, or even ancient garbage. Archaeologists study these finds to understand past cultures and civilizations. They also work to protect and preserve what they discover.
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What Happens at an Archaeological Site?
When archaeologists work at a site, they carefully dig into the ground. This digging is called excavation. They look for signs of human activity from hundreds or thousands of years ago.
Preparing for the Dig
First, the top layer of soil, called the topsoil, is gently removed. This helps them get to the older layers underneath. Sometimes, the ground is very hard.
Tools for Digging
Archaeologists use different tools for digging. For very hard ground, they might use pickaxes or mattocks. These tools help break up tough soil. For clearing away larger amounts of dirt, they use Shovels and spades.
Careful Excavation Tools
Other hand tools like hoes, rakes, and forks are used for more detailed work. A wheelbarrow helps move the soil away from the digging area. Sometimes, all the soil is sieved. This means it's passed through a screen to catch tiny artifacts that might be missed. This careful process helps archaeologists find everything they can.
Images for kids
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Dion archaeological site
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Archaeological site of Cyrene
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Archaeological site of Sabratha, Libya
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Pleuron, Aetolia archaeological site in Greece
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Leptis Magna archaeological site
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See also
In Spanish: Yacimiento arqueológico para niños
