21.10.2023
5 Dakika
One of our most important tools on the path to unlock the oldest mysteries of humanity through the study of the past is archaeology, which brings to light the stories of history. Without the determination and dedication of archaeologists, who are experts in this field, it is not possible to discover ancient civilizations and shed light on the millions of years of human existence.
Excavation is one of the most fundamental methods of archaeology, investigating and studying cultures that have existed throughout history with their own unique tools. Archaeologists identify the areas to be excavated and conduct the excavations themselves. The work of archaeologists is not limited to this, however; the preservation, restoration, and study of fragile artifacts that may have remained beneath the surface for thousands of years is an important part of their work.
Ultimately, uncovering an artifact or an archaeological site is only the beginning of understanding it and determining its significance in history. In this process, archaeologists' research takes on an interdisciplinary dimension, working closely with, for example, anthropology, sociology, history, art history and geology. They bring together knowledge from these different fields to determine the time of the finds, decipher their cultural significance, and find clues to their use.
The management and protection of these sites during the excavation phase, as well as the raising of the local population's awareness of nature conservation, are also part of the professional responsibilities of archaeologists. All of these efforts, of course, involve certain difficulties. Above all, the protection of the remains unearthed during excavations is one of the greatest sensitivities.
Depending on the relationship of the find to its environment, the rescue of some fragile artifacts may become an even greater challenge. In this blog, we will briefly discuss how archaeologists save and preserve the most fragile remains to help us understand their place in history.
Since every action in archaeological excavations is irreversible, one of the most important principles of this work is to avoid mistakes. Many factors in the excavation process, from methodological preparation and tools to excavation strategy and interdisciplinary cooperation, play an important role in the recovery of fragile remains.
There are many types of archaeological excavations and excavation preparation. Prior to excavation, archaeologists conduct surveys to learn about the environment and identify potential archaeological sites. The environmental context is understood through "stratigraphy" for site identification and excavation planning. Preliminary rescue excavations and emergency rescue excavations can also be organized to carefully recover sensitive archaeological remains.
In archaeology, the term "stratigraphy" is used to understand the chronology of the remains at an excavation site. Stratigraphic excavation is of great importance for archaeologists to carry out geo-archaeological analysis and documentation, interpret history and evaluate the geological formations around the remains. Since the remains can also be damaged by environmental factors over time, it is necessary to understand the relationship of the remains to nature.
In stratigraphic excavations, archaeologists work from late to early times according to historical strata, and the information notes and photographic documentation they make along the way are extremely important for later analysis, identification and preservation of the fragile remains. Therefore, clear images and text are used in the documentation to ensure a good understanding of the artifacts.
Archaeologists resort to preliminary rescue excavation as an emergency measure when an archaeological site is threatened with rapid destruction or damage. The primary goal of a preliminary rescue excavation is to preserve archaeological remains and valuable sources of information. To this end, threatened areas are identified and excavations are conducted quickly, with archaeologists working intensively to identify, uncover and document valuable remains. The remains are also quickly analyzed. Archaeologists have limited time to intervene in emergencies, such as chance finds during construction or roadwork. For this reason, they also collect samples of data that they can later examine in detail and ensure that they remain intact.
In the conservation and restoration of immovable cultural property, archaeologists are guided by the principles of the Venice Charter and the provisions of the "Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage," adopted by member states at UNESCO. For conservation and restoration, they carry out studies and develop specific objectives for each ruin. Depending on the climatic and geographical conditions in which the excavations are carried out, they also take various measures to prevent natural destruction. For example, they protect fragile artifacts from rain and the harsh conditions of winter, cut plants that damage the structures, and plant new plants to prevent this when there is a risk of erosion.
The conservation process also involves numerous professionals from different fields. The cleaning of decorations such as clay, paint and frescoes is carried out by professionals using scientific technical methods, while special chemicals are used to stabilize the remains that have deteriorated and been damaged over time. In short, the consolidation and cleaning processes are carried out with modern technology. While these works are carried out on site, archaeologists also communicate with the local community about the works, conservation and sustainability to ensure that the public takes possession of the site with interest and care.
It is a blessing that archaeologists, whose roots as a practice go back to 550 B.C. and whose foundations as a modern science were laid during the Renaissance, have been advancing archaeology for centuries, both in practice and theory, to record the cultural heritage of humanity throughout history with minimal loss and to work hard to pass that heritage on to future generations!
Congratulations on International Archaeology Day on October 21 to everyone who works in archaeology, is interested in archaeology, or has been excited by an archaeological discovery at least once in their lives, and to the archaeologists who bring us together with this heritage.
