Do archaeological studies always require digging?
Scientific archaeological studies include much more than the digging or excavation of ancient sites. Modern archaeology, in fact, frequently requires no excavation, but depends upon the study of existing collections and information reported in scientific publications. The decision to excavate can be based on many factors. Usually a particular problem – for example, when and why settled life began in an area – influences that decision. The reason for the excavation may also be to supplement or verify existing written records, which are often subject to omissions, biases or vagueness. In other cases, disturbance of the ground by highway construction may threaten sites with destruction. Such circumstances may mean that an excavation is needed, otherwise, information and artifacts could be lost forever.
