What does the excavation of stratigraphic layers help archaeologists understand?

The excavation of stratigraphic layers is crucial for understanding the chronological sequence of human activity. Stratigraphy involves studying the layers of soil and debris that accumulate over time, with each layer representing a different period of human occupation or activity. By carefully excavating these layers, archaeologists can establish a timeline of when certain artifacts were created and used, providing insight into the temporal context of human behaviors, cultural changes, and technological developments.

This chronological framework allows researchers to piece together a narrative of the past, understanding how societies evolved over time, how they interacted with their environments, and how they responded to various challenges and opportunities throughout history. By ordering findings based on their stratigraphic context, archaeologists can discern patterns and fluctuations in human activity across different periods, which is critical for reconstructing historical timelines.