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The Role of Historical Archaeology

  • Writer: Emily Expedition
    Emily Expedition
  • Feb 2
  • 5 min read

Updated: Feb 6


"Pre-Colombian Smile", photographed by Richard Hewitt Stewart, as featured on National Geographic Education. National Geographic Education, 2024,
"Pre-Colombian Smile", photographed by Richard Hewitt Stewart, as featured on National Geographic Education. National Geographic Education, 2024,

I used to think history was only something you read about in textbooks or saw in museums, all neat and polished behind glass. But then I realized that so much of it is actually still buried under our feet, just waiting to be found. That’s what historical archaeologists do. They uncover real stories, lost pieces of people’s lives that have been hidden underneath the dirt, ruins, or even deep underwater in shipwrecks. Unlike prehistoric archaeology, which relies only on objects with no written history, historical archaeology gets to connect what’s found in the ground with actual records, old letters, maps and even diaries. It pieces these relics together to discover an entire life, an entire moment in time. It’s detective work but solving history instead of crimes. And honestly, that’s what makes it so exciting.


How Science Helps Solve Ancient Mysteries


The Scientific Method," Memedroid, uploaded by Mahomies15
The Scientific Method," Memedroid, uploaded by Mahomies15

Archaeology follows a very structured process that uses the Scientific Method to ensure findings are accurate and meaningful to every project. Every excavation should begin with a clear research question or hypothesis. Archaeologists start by gathering historical records, studying maps, and surveying potential sites. There are incredible advanced technologies now like ground-penetrating radar or GPR that allows archaeologists to detect buried structures before excavation begins. Once artifacts or remains are uncovered, they are documented in detail, where they were found, their depth, and their surroundings. In the lab, researchers will then analyze materials through processes like chemical testing, carbon dating, and DNA analysis. Studying bones can reveal ancient diets, while soil samples help to identify past agricultural practices. These methods allow archaeologists to build a well-supported interpretation of how people lived, rather than relying on speculation.


Step 1: Form a Hypothesis – Before digging even begins, archaeologists need to develop research questions. They might suspect a buried city exists in a certain area based on ancient texts, aerial photos, or local legends.

Step 2: Survey and Mapping – Using tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and GIS mapping, archaeologists scan sites without disturbing anything. This helps them decide where to dig.

Step 3: Careful Excavation – Digging is slow and methodical, with every artifact recorded in detail.

Step 4: Analysis and Testing – Chemical analysis, carbon dating, and even DNA testing are used to study artifacts, bones, and environmental samples.

Step 5: Interpretation – Findings are compared with historical records to create an accurate narrative of what happened in that place and time.


Wait… Archaeologists Have Rules? 🤔


r/HistoryMemes. Source: Reddit
r/HistoryMemes. Source: Reddit

Yep! Believe it or not, Archaeologists don’t just go around digging up artifacts without rules. There are strict ethical guidelines in place to ensure historical sites are studied responsibly.


One of the most important ethical frameworks that archaeologists must follow comes from the Code of Ethics of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA), which emphasizes that archaeologists must respect the well-being of the communities and cultures they study. According to the AAPA, archaeologists must prioritize preserving archaeological records, ensuring that their work benefits both the scientific community and the people connected to these histories (AAPA, 2003).


A few key ethical principles include:


  1. Respect for Cultural Heritage: Archaeologists must obtain permission before excavating and work closely with local communities to ensure their history is honored. This includes collaborating with Indigenous groups and descendant communities whenever possible.

  2. Preserving the Past for Future Generations: Archaeologists are responsible for documenting their findings in detail so future researchers can continue the work. The AAPA stresses that general knowledge is an ongoing process, and findings should be shared through proper academic channels.

  3. Informed Consent and Transparency: Researchers should always explain the purpose of their work to the people affected by it. If human remains are uncovered, they must be handled with dignity and by both local laws and ethical standards.

  4. No Looting or Private Collection: Artifacts are not souvenirs. The AAPA strongly opposes the selling or private collection of archaeological finds, as it removes context and destroys valuable historical information.


Following these ethical standards ensures that archaeology remains focused on learning and preserving history rather than exploiting it. As the AAPA puts it, "physical anthropologists have obligations to their scholarly discipline, the wider society, and the environment," meaning their work must be conducted in a way that benefits both science and the people connected to these sites (AAPA, 2003).


These rules make sure history is preserved and studied responsibly, instead of just being treated like a treasure hunt.


Why I’d Drop Everything to Become a Historical Archaeologist


Okay, so I may not have a time machine, but historical archaeology is probably the closest thing I have to one. I love the idea that an ordinary patch of land or a sunken ship could be hiding lost history! It’s a mix of my two favorite movies, Indiana Jones and National Treasure, except with way more science and fewer rolling boulders (wink).


And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be the person who uncovers a forgotten artifact or cracks a centuries-old mystery? Even if the “treasure” is just a rusty old spoon from the 1700s, that spoon meant something to someone once. It’s a direct connection to the past, and I think that’s pretty incredible.


Mind-Blowing Discoveries


King Tut’s Tomb – A Pharaoh’s Untouched Treasure

In 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Unlike many royal tombs that had been looted over the centuries, King Tut’s final resting place was remarkably intact. The discovery included over 5,000 artifacts, from golden chariots to a solid gold death mask, providing an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Egyptian life and burial practices (National Geographic, 2022).


Photo by Harry Burton, colorized by Dynamichrome. Image Source: Griffith Institute.
Photo by Harry Burton, colorized by Dynamichrome. Image Source: Griffith Institute.

Pompeii – A City Frozen in Time

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was buried under a thick layer of ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. For centuries, the city remained hidden until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Archaeologists have since uncovered well-preserved homes, streets, frescoes, and even the remains of its citizens, providing a hauntingly detailed look into daily life in Ancient Rome. The casts of victims, preserved in their final moments, serve as a chilling reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human life (Smithsonian Magazine, 2021).


Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead," National Geographic TV
Pompeii: Secrets of the Dead," National Geographic TV

Bringing the Past Back to Life


Image Source: 9GAG
Image Source: 9GAG

Historical archaeology gives a voice to people who lived before us. Every broken piece of pottery, every lost shipwreck, every buried coin tells a story that might have been forgotten forever.


So next time you visit a museum, explore an old town, or even just walk past a historic landmark, remember, there’s a whole world of history beneath the surface. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be out there digging it up one day!


🔎 Want to Dig Deeper? Check out more about historical archaeology at the Society for Historical Archaeology.


Now tell me, if YOU could dig up any historical mystery, what would it be? Drop your answer in the comments!



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