Archaeology and Excavation

Archaeology is the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The history of archaeology begins with antiquarianism, progresses through an individualistic phase and then becomes a genuine empirical science. Antiquarianism is the earliest stage of archaeology. Named for the process of collecting and displaying historical treasures, antiquarianism was generally the domain of wealthy individuals who had the resources to spend time searching for, acquiring, and displaying artifacts. Excavation involves the recovery of several types of data from a site. These data include objects made or modified by humans, modifications to the site itself such as post molds, burials, and hearths, evidence for the local environment and resources being used such as snail shells, seeds, and butchered bones and, most importantly, relationships among the other types of data. Ideally, data from the excavation should suffice to reconstruct the site completely in three-dimensional space.

Studying Archeology and Excavations

Thinking about studying Archaeology at a university, our reasons to study Archaeology are sure to leave you with an appetite for unearthing

• Archaeologists play an important role in uncovering the secrets of human history. The analysis of physical remains informs us the history and contribute a lot towards our knowledge of how human society has developed etc.,
• Archaeologists graduates have transferable skills. The student will gain analytical skills, reasoning skills, practical skills (think of all that digging), the ability to work within or as the leader of a team, and so much more
• Archaeology students apply their leaning with the plenty of opportunity to get outdoors and apply your learning
• Archaeology students get to travel a lot as they have to visit historical sites. Even during some excavations they have to travel all around that area to understand the history.

Courses

For 12th passed students, undergraduate course related to Archaeology that they may pursue is- BA in Archaeology. Apart from this course, other undergraduate courses like History, Museology and Anthropology could also be of help, when it comes to building a career in Archaeology sector. When it comes to Archaeology, graduation or training abroad will help one to get familiar with the latest technological aids used in the field of Archaeology. Types of archaeology: Classical Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Underwater Archaeology, Ethno-Archaeology and Biblical Archaeology. Types of Excavations: Roadway, Channel, Footing, Drainage, Stripping, Borrow, Bridge and Dredging.

Trend in Job Market

Opportunities for archaeologists exist within museums, heritage agencies and local government, but the skills you'll get from the degree open up doors to many different careers. Jobs directly related to your degree include: Archaeologist, Heritage manager, Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer, Museum education officer, Museum/gallery curator, Museum/gallery exhibitions officer, Archivist, Cartographer, Higher education lecturer, Records manager, Social researcher, Tourism officer