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Records

Photograph of an archaeologist making a detailed drawing of a wall Magnifing glass image

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Drawing one of the amphitheatre entrance walls

Precise recording of the evidence is crucial. Because excavation involves destroying evidence, it is vital that everything is recorded as fully as possible. All the site plans, photographs, records and most of the finds are kept so that future archaeologists and researchers can go back to them and draw their own conclusions.

 
Photograph of an archaeologist with a large drawing board, sitting with their feet in a small trench and looking at a standing wall which is being measured and recorded Magnifing glass image

Enlarge image

Drawing the remains of the Roman amphitheatre

Context sheets

The situation, or context, in which an object is found is as important as the object itself. Context sheets are used to record the evidence as it is uncovered. Diggers complete one sheet for each layer or feature they find. They use standardised sheets to make sure that the same information is recorded each time, including the soil type, colour and texture, any finds, and which layers were above and below.

Excavation plans

Every layer or feature that is uncovered is planned to scale. This ensures that no important information is lost. Archaeologists still do this by hand onto a specialised waterproof draughting film. They can then digitise the plans. Computer technology has made it easier to compare plans across an excavation or between different sites.

Finds

All finds are labelled with the site code and context number, so that later on anyone can find out where they came from. Important finds will also be photographed and drawn.

What are you drawing?
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Photograph of an archaeologist working on the side of a trench. Several different coloured layers are clearly visible and each has been labelled for recording.

Find out about site strategy

Photograph of an excavation site containing a standing pillar and several stone structures. Neighbouring buildings stand high above each side of the site, and the dome of St Paul's Cathedral is in the background.

Find out about stratigraphy

Photograph of a masonry wall with a parallel ditch in front. One archaeologist sits to the right with a clipboard, the other stands behind the wall

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