What is vertical and horizontal excavation?

1. Understanding Vertical Excavation
Vertical excavation, also known as "deep excavation" or "shaft excavation," is a method of archaeological excavation that involves digging downwards into the ground to uncover archaeological remains buried at different depths. In vertical excavation, archaeologists create a deep, vertical pit or trench to expose and investigate multiple layers of stratigraphy, sedimentation, and cultural deposits. This method allows archaeologists to study the chronological sequence of occupation, construction, and abandonment at a particular site.
Explanation:

• Stratigraphic Layers: Vertical excavation exposes multiple layers of soil, sediment, and cultural deposits, known as stratigraphy, which represent different periods of human occupation and activity.
• Chronological Sequence: By excavating vertically, archaeologists can uncover and analyze the chronological sequence of archaeological remains, artifacts, and features, revealing patterns of cultural change and continuity over time.
• Contextual Information: Vertical excavation provides valuable contextual information about the spatial distribution, relationships, and associations between artifacts, structures, and features within the stratigraphic layers, aiding in the interpretation of archaeological contexts and activities.

2. Understanding Horizontal Excavation
Horizontal excavation, also known as "open-area excavation" or "surface excavation," is a method of archaeological excavation that involves digging horizontally across the surface of a site to uncover archaeological remains within a single stratigraphic layer or occupation horizon. In horizontal excavation, archaeologists create a series of parallel trenches or excavation units to systematically expose and investigate the extent of cultural deposits within a defined area.
Explanation:

• Single Stratigraphic Layer: Horizontal excavation focuses on excavating within a single stratigraphic layer or occupation horizon, allowing archaeologists to examine the spatial distribution and density of artifacts and features within a specific context.
• Site Formation Processes: By excavating horizontally, archaeologists can observe and interpret site formation processes, such as deposition, erosion, and disturbance, which influence the preservation and integrity of archaeological remains.
• Spatial Analysis: Horizontal excavation facilitates spatial analysis and mapping of archaeological features, structures, and artifact distributions within a site, enabling researchers to reconstruct past settlement patterns, land use, and activity areas.
• Site Preservation: Horizontal excavation minimizes the disturbance and destruction of underlying stratigraphic layers, preserving the integrity and context of archaeological deposits for future study and interpretation.

Comparison:
1. Depth of Excavation:

• Vertical Excavation: Digs downwards into the ground to uncover archaeological remains buried at different depths, exposing multiple layers of stratigraphy.
• Horizontal Excavation: Digs horizontally across the surface of a site within a single stratigraphic layer or occupation horizon, focusing on uncovering the extent of cultural deposits within a specific context.

2. Chronological Sequence:

• Vertical Excavation: Reveals the chronological sequence of occupation, construction, and abandonment at a site by exposing stratigraphic layers representing different time periods.
• Horizontal Excavation: Examines the spatial distribution and density of artifacts and features within a single stratigraphic layer, providing insights into contemporaneous activities and behaviors.

3. Spatial Analysis:

• Vertical Excavation: Provides contextual information about the spatial distribution, relationships, and associations between artifacts, structures, and features within stratigraphic layers.
• Horizontal Excavation: Facilitates spatial analysis and mapping of archaeological features, structures, and artifact distributions within a site, aiding in the reconstruction of past settlement patterns and land use.

Conclusion
In summary, vertical excavation involves digging downwards into the ground to uncover archaeological remains buried at different depths, exposing multiple layers of stratigraphy and revealing the chronological sequence of occupation at a site. Horizontal excavation, on the other hand, focuses on digging horizontally across the surface of a site within a single stratigraphic layer to examine the extent of cultural deposits and spatial distribution of artifacts and features. Both methods of excavation are essential in archaeological research, providing valuable insights into past human activities, behaviors, and environments.