Explain How And Why Do Archaeologists Excavate Archaeological Sites

How, and why do archaeologists excavate archaeological sites?
Excavation in the nineteenth century was often used by treasure hunters to collect artefacts and antiquities for personal gain, and speculation was often made on their findings. Archaeologists today do not accept these procedures, excavations are now done strategically, and a controlled plan must be put in place before an excavation begins. Excavations cause destruction so they must only be done for specific reasons such as research or rescue. Research excavations are done when the perceived data benefits the destruction. Excavation is also used to rescue sites, an example of this is a new building development and remains will be destroyed in the build. Archaeologists use excavations
Permits, consents and legislation will provide legal requirements of the survey. A plan is based on of a series of questions. It must be explained why the site is being excavated, what techniques will be used when surveying, how the samples will be analysed, financial resources must be considered, changes must be adaptable if needed, and a system to record all information is imperative to publish accurate information of the excavation. If it is possible to plan around the weather it should be considered, extreme cold or heat can have implications on equipment and the teams working in it, also it is often easier to work with slightly wet ground, as opposed to soil hardened from the heat. The plan needs to include a topographical map, this shows the details of the site, such as buildings, roads, and types of terrain. Aerial photographs and maps can give a detailed view of terrain, they can also show boundaries, roads, rivers and different textures. Terrain can prove difficulties; such as a hill may become to steep to excavate, or the ground may be to stony. These details are to be included in the plan along with the method of excavation, and a health and safety
Different types of equipment are used for record keeping while on site such as; plans, drawings, cameras, maps, and context recording sheets. Cameras are used to photograph and document site activity, this helps with accuracy and shows the sequential order of recovery. Cameras and technology can also be used to create a computer-generated 3D virtual site dig, and this is time efficient as the intricate drawings are no longer needed. The virtual site dig provides reliable documentation of shapes and textures that have been destroyed while excavating, this is an inexpensive form of accurate data that can be analysed and accessed repeatedly. The quality of the evidence collected and recorded during excavation can give the researcher a more precise outcome when analysing. Documentation is essential to understand the history of the