Stratum

Definition

A stratum is a layer of sedimentary rock or soil with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish it from other layers. In archaeology, understanding strata helps to organize artifacts and remains chronologically and contextually, providing insights into the sequence of human activity at a site and the environmental conditions over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strata are formed through natural processes such as sedimentation, volcanic activity, or glacial action, each layer representing a distinct period in geological time.
2. In archaeology, the principle of superposition states that lower strata are older than those above them, allowing researchers to establish a chronological sequence of occupation.
3. Artifacts found within a particular stratum provide context for interpretation, linking them to specific human activities or events associated with that layer.
4. Stratigraphic analysis can reveal not just when artifacts were used, but also how human behaviors and environmental conditions changed over time.
5. The study of stratigraphy is crucial for creating accurate site reports and understanding the broader historical narrative of human development.

Review Questions

• How do the principles of superposition and original horizontality relate to the understanding of strata in archaeological contexts?
  • The principles of superposition and original horizontality are fundamental in interpreting strata in archaeology. Superposition indicates that in an undisturbed sequence of strata, the oldest layers will be at the bottom and the youngest at the top. Original horizontality suggests that layers of sediment are originally deposited horizontally. Together, these principles help archaeologists determine the chronological order of human activities and understand the historical context of artifacts found within different strata.
• Discuss how stratigraphic analysis aids in interpreting human behavior from archaeological findings.
  • Stratigraphic analysis allows archaeologists to correlate artifacts with specific layers, providing context for their use. By examining the relationship between different strata and the artifacts they contain, researchers can infer patterns in human behavior, such as changes in settlement practices or shifts in technology over time. This approach helps reconstruct past societies' daily lives and cultural practices by linking material culture to the environmental conditions represented by each stratum.
• Evaluate how advancements in stratigraphic techniques have impacted archaeological interpretations over time.
  • Advancements in stratigraphic techniques, such as improved excavation methods and dating technologies like radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology, have significantly enhanced archaeological interpretations. These innovations allow for more precise dating of strata and a better understanding of the temporal context of finds. By integrating these techniques with traditional stratigraphic analysis, archaeologists can build more comprehensive narratives about human history and environmental change, leading to deeper insights into past societies and their adaptations.

Related terms

Stratigraphy:

The branch of geology concerned with the study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), which is essential in understanding the historical sequence of geological and archaeological events.

Fossil: Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, typically found within strata, that provide valuable information about past life forms and environmental conditions.

Lithology: The study of the physical and chemical characteristics of rocks, which can help identify different strata based on their composition and properties.