Archaeological Materials

Abstract

The range of raw materials that humans use for food, construction, valuables, transportation, and other purposes is enormous. Many materials are found at archaeological sites. The Black Earth site in southern Illinois, a settlement of hunters dating from 4000 to 3000 bc provides an example. It is an enormous site, more than a city block in size, and the cultural layer is up to 1.5 m (5 ft) deep. The concentration of ash, excrement, and other organic matter in the sediments changed the chemistry of the soil, resulting in more alkaline conditions, favorable for the preservation of bone and other materials.