1. How to use the Handbook

Subject to consultation (as the handbook development project is ongoing)

The handbook has been divided into a number of sections, identified, during consultation with archaeologists, as the main steps taken during post-excavation stratigraphic analysis (see the overview diagram below – Fig 1.).

• Check Stratigraphic Relationships
• Grouping (subgrouping)
• Phasing
• Dating and Periodization
• Land Use
• Stratigraphic Narrative

These different sections of the Handbook can be browsed from the drop-down Menu at the top of this page. These sections cover the main stages in a process known widely as stratigraphic analysis, from firstly consolidating and validating excavation records, through Grouping; Phasing; Dating; Land Use; towards the writing of the Stratigraphic Narrative.

An overview of the main content can be discerned from the diagram showing the “Typical Archaeological Stratigraphic Workflow” (Fig 1. below). This includes a listing of the most typical Outputs from these steps in the process. It is intended that by identifying these Outputs it will aid the clearer sign-posting and ‘Findability’ (FAIRness) of the outputs from this work in resulting publications and archives.

The Resources section (available from the Main Menu) contains a number of separate items that both reflect current practice, and are intended to help the user of the Handbook orientate themselves or understand how this Handbook sits within other reference materials.

While this Handbook is intended to give a useful summation of the main steps and methods used in this stratigraphic analysis workflow, it cannot cover in detail the multiple forms and permutations of archaeological features and stratigraphy that could be encountered on every possible type of archaeological site. 

The bibliography has therefore been included to provide references to other relevant documentation. As this project matures and further guidance documents are identified they can be referenced through the Bibliography or added to the Resources sections.

2. Background to ongoing work on the AG2GP-Handbook project

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded AG2GP-Handbook project is developing this good practice guide for a cross-sector set of common procedures to reflect and enshrine best practice in post-excavation work on stratigraphic analysis.

The aim of this project is to draw together the collective expertise of the main archaeological contractors in the UK and, in consultation with other stakeholders from the sector, undertake the necessary feasibility work and organize the required collaborative activities to develop a consortium approach and online tools and resources to support best practice for this work. This feasibility study will include identifying the most appropriate business model to build a sustainable service that will meet the business needs of the large, medium and small-scale enterprises that undertake archaeological work as part of the development planning process.

The different sections of the Handbook and related Resources can be browsed and navigated from the drop-down Menus at the top (and bottom) of each page.

This website will be updated throughout the life of the project. If you have questions please email contact@archgoodpractice.com