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Archaeology/Ground levels

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Expert: John J. Shea - 5/18/2009


Question
A friend and I were wondering why archaeoloical finds (e.g. Roman roads) are
always located so far below contemporary ground levels. Where did all the extra
earth come from?

Answer
Julia
Things like roads get buried in several ways either
-sediment erodes onto them from higher elevations
-organic remains (leaves, etc.) land on them and decompose
-people bury them in the course of other activities (making new roads, buildings).
Cheers,
Prof. Shea

Archaeology

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John J. Shea

Expertise

Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (mainly Europe, Near East, and Africa during the Paleolithic period/Pleistocene Epoch). IMPORTANT: I do not give advice about colleges. I do not appraise the value of artifacts or fossils.

Experience

University professor of anthropology/archaeology since 1991. Dozens of publications in peer-review anthropology journals. Director of archaeological-paleontological expeditions and excavations in Israel, Jordan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya. See my main profile under Allexperts` "Anthropology" section. Professional website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/staff/jshea.shtml Personal website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/Shea/Shea%20pers%20webpage.htm

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