Producing a Stratigraphic Narrative

Overview

Production of a stratigraphic narrative is a key output of any sequence of stratigraphic post excavation analysis. Typically, the stratigraphic narrative is included as a component of a more extensive reporting process, usually connected to the creation of unpublished reports, contributing to the overall project deliverables. Within the commercial sector these reports might be known by a variety of names across different organisations (eg. Analysis Reports, Assessment Reports and Data Structure Report being some of the most common). That being said, it should be emphasised that the stratigraphic narrative is equally associated with  preliminary reporting in research context as well. The purpose of this section is not to offer guidance on how to construct an ‘assessment report’, since most projects and organisations will have their own templates and protocols for doing this, but rather to offer some best practice guidance on how to specifically write up the stratigraphic narrative component of these reports.

The Stratigraphic Report

Construction of an archaeological stratigraphic narrative explicitly derives from the previous analytical work. Contexts, which by this point may be grouped and phased stratigraphically in terms of deposition and perhaps analysed in terms of land-use, are organised into a narrative. The aim of the narrative is to chronologically explain their role in site formation from the earliest layers upwards. As such, the report could either be for the archive or part of a publication. The stratigraphic report has then evolved over the years and now it’s an integral part of the grey-literature reporting process both within the UK planning system and as a requirement for research funding applications.

Commonly stratigraphic narratives (as part of a larger report) consist of two key components:

  1. A detailed and highly descriptive technical summary of the depositional sequence.
  2. A more synthetic and interpretative phased discussion of the sequence.

Before initiating any form of publication, it’s crucial to ensure all necessary parts are complete and available. These include the allocation of time for the author to write, printed database entries, complete specialist reports, and digitised or drawn illustrations. Ideally the final writing will be coordinated with the return of all completed specialist reports and dating information to avoid unexpected changes which could cause time losses.

Methods

Describing the Stratigraphic Sequence

The exact structure of this section can vary according to the type of excavation (i.e. whether it is small trench-based or broader open area excavation) and the type of archaeology excavated (for example a single structure or multiple external spaces and multiple structures distributed spatially or one on top of the other). On most sites the nature of the narrative will be guided by the way the site has been phased and grouped (with these interpretations often forming natural headings within the text).

The description of the stratigraphic sequence should be written bottom to top, in order of deposition (as opposed to the way in which it was recorded: top to bottom, in order of excavation). Ideally every valid context (i.e. those contexts which have a unique record in the site archive and have not be voided) should be referred to but in the text, although the level of descriptive detail offered (e.g. composition, compaction, inclusions, size, elevation, etc.) may vary at the author’s discretion and/or more likely what the archaeological monitor/curatorial service will accept or require. However it is important to note that this may not be possible on very large projects (where it would be unfeasible to consider every context in detail) and, where the archive has been digitised it is often not necessary to include this detail in text, unless it is particularly relevant in relation to function, date or some other aspect of the stratigraphic sequence. Generally descriptive information about the context only needs to be mentioned if the author thinks it is necessary to the reader’s understanding of the sequence and for the coherent narrative of the archaeology. With this in mind the purpose of describing the context in this way is arguably

  1. To validate the layers identified by the excavator (it is important to show that each context differs from the one before and after it, and, when relevant, to clarify how it relates to other contexts).
  2. To evidence and support any archaeological and functional interpretations of the context which may be discussed, alongside any alternative interpretations.
  3. To present any uncertainties about contexts and their stratigraphic relationships, in the interests of transparency.  

In many cases the most logical structure for such a descriptive narrative is to order it by phase (earliest to latest). These phases may form section headings, but often if the site has been subgrouped or grouped these sections may be subdivided by group discussions. If there are multiple structures (or indeed other land use) then the narrative may be more accessible to the reader if ordered by land use as well.

Producing a Phased Discussion

The aim of the phased narrative is to provide a synthetic interpretation of your sequence, again written bottom to top, ordered by phase (and where appropriate by stratigraphic grouping). The style of this discourse may vary depending upon the nature of the sequence and will likely be dictated by project or organisational templates for report writing. However ideally this text also presents an opportunity to develop a ‘voice’ for the author and the people that excavated the site.

As a synthesis it is important to be transparent about the interpretation of the sequence, explaining how it was derived from the evidence and why they were selected in favour of other possible interpretations. Here it is important to keep in mind the ‘bigger picture’, including discussing possible functions of spaces and structures (as far as is feasible) and relationships with other parts of the site (when possible). 

It is not necessary here to discuss every single context, and it may be convenient for the sake of the narrative to omit or talk generally about long sequences of strata (if they all represent one process, i.e. systematic demolition or robbing, alluvial build up, etc.) or discrete groups of interrelated contexts. Indeed on complex sites it may also be useful to structure the narrative discussion based upon subgroup and group allocations.

It is useful here to include a phase table (listing phase number and description of phases), and labelled phase plans (please label structures, spaces and salient features).  The narrative should include as many illustrations and images that appropriately illustrate your text (photographs, sketches etc) for any sections in your sequence.

Some useful guidance for the construction of a Phased Discussion:

  • The style of language used in this type of writing, should be much less technical with much more discussion. In many ways this is harder to write (definitely NO LISTS), however, it allows much more freedom to interpret your archaeology.
  • Do not use unnecessary descriptions of individual features. In this type of narrative it is not important to mention every detail of a context. Do not describe attributes of a feature that are not relevant to the discussion of a feature. Descriptions should focus upon illustrating a specific use or function of a feature.
  • Do try to pull together all aspects of the site (stratigraphic, artefactual and environmental) and focus upon writing the story of the site’s development. Interesting, exciting or unusual features and finds can also be mentioned, but emphasis should be placed upon their meaning in relation to the area/period.

Illustrating the Stratigraphic Narrative

An archaeological stratigraphic narrative (both the technical summary and phased discussion) is generally accompanied by a variety of illustrations that enhance the understanding of the site’s context and development. The main purpose of these visual representations is to clarify the spatial relationships and physical characteristics of the archaeological contexts, features or groups under discussion. These illustrations play a crucial role in enhancing the interpretation and communication of the stratigraphic narrative, and should be considered and commissioned alongside the writing process. They offer valuable visual context and aid in the comprehension of the archaeological sequence. Typically these will include:

  • Phased Plans (both local and site-wide): detailed drawings depicting the layout and arrangement of features within specific areas or phases of the site, offering a comprehensive view of the spatial organisation.
  • Sections/Profiles/Elevations (wherever relevant): visual representations illustrating vertical slices of the excavation area, showcasing the stratigraphic layers and their relationships, allowing for a better understanding of the site’s vertical dimension.
  • Photographic Images: photographs capturing the physical remains, structures, and artefacts discovered during the excavation, providing a visual record of the archaeological evidence.
  • 3D Models: three-dimensional digital representations of the site, generally acquired on-side during the primary recording, enabling virtual exploration and visualisation of the site’s layout, structures, and features.
  • (Potentially) Reconstruction Drawings (where appropriate): illustrations depicting the hypothetical or speculative reconstruction of architectural features, buildings, or landscapes based on archaeological evidence, providing insights into the site’s past appearance and function.
Redrawn version of original sketch plan showing grouping and subgrouping within enclosures on the A14 road scheme infrastructure project. With thanks to Emma West. and MOLA-Headland Infrastructure and National Highways.
Redrawn version of original sketch plan illustrating grouping and subgrouping within enclosures on the A14 road scheme infrastructure project. With thanks to Emma West. and MOLA-Headland Infrastructure and National Highways.

Other considerations in the production of a Stratigraphic Narrative

Digital Workflow and Archive Reports:

The integration of modern technologies, especially Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in the archiving process can greatly enhance the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of archaeological data analysis. GIS enables a spatial understanding of the archaeological finds, allowing for the creation of comprehensive maps and digital phase plans (see ‘Illustrating the Stratigraphic Narrative’ above). It also provides the ability to analyse spatial relationships between different elements on the site and can be extremely valuable for understanding site formation processes, distributions of artefacts, and inter-site relationships. GIS data and outputs should be incorporated where possible into archive reports alongside traditional data to promote a more robust understanding of the site.

Reporting and Presentation of Archaeological Work:

Advancements in digital platforms also offer a variety of ways to disseminate the findings of archaeological work. Alongside traditional publishing formats such as monographs and journal articles, online databases and digital archives provide global access to archaeological data. Digital reports should be prepared in an accessible format, which may include interactive visualisations or 3D models. This broader accessibility not only makes it easier for other archaeologists to work with the data but also promotes public engagement in archaeology.

Please note that the formats mentioned are examples, and the actual output formats can vary depending on project requirements and preferences.

Primary Output:

Output CategoryDescriptionExample Output Format
Stratigraphic Narrative Report (Analogue/Digital)Written account of the site’s stratigraphy forming part of a larger report to explain the role of each context in site formation and present a chronological sequence. May be included in archive/publication.PDF report, printed document (e.g. .pdf, .docx or .txt)
This will likely comprise some key elements:
Description of the Stratigraphic Sequence (Analogue/Digital)Detailed and descriptive summary of the depositional sequence, written in order of deposition, highlighting stratigraphic relationships and interpretations.Word document or text file (e.g. .docx or .txt)
Phased Stratigraphic Discussion (Analogue/Digital)Synthetic interpretation of the sequence, ordered by phase, offering insights into the site’s development, spaces’ functions, and relationships with other parts of the site.Word document or text file (e.g. .docx or .txt)
Supported by:
Phased Plans (Analogue/Digital)Detailed drawings showing the layout of features within specific areas or phases of the site, providing a comprehensive view of spatial organization.Hand-drawn plan, CAD drawing, digital graphic (e.g. .svg .dwg or .dxf) or GIS data including data tables, shapefiles, and spatial raster data Metadata (e.g. .csv, .shp, .kml, .gdb, .gml, .geojson, .geotiff), or vector graphics format (e.g. .dxf, .dwg or svg)

Secondary (Supporting) Outputs:

Output CategoryDescriptionExample Output Format
Sections/Profiles/Elevations (Analogue/Digital)Visual representations showing vertical slices of excavation area, illustrating stratigraphic layers and relationships, aiding in understanding the site’s vertical dimension.Hand-drawn section/profile, digital graphic (e.g. .jpg, .png or .svg)
Photographic Images (Digital)Photographs showcasing the physical remains, structures, and artefacts from the excavation, providing a visual record of the archaeological evidence.Digital photographs, image files (e.g. .jpg, .png or .svg)
3D Models (Digital)Three-dimensional digital models of the site allowing for virtual exploration and visualization of site layout, structures, and features.3D digital models, interactive virtual tours (e.g. .obj or .ply)
Reconstruction Drawings (Analogue/Digital)Illustrations showing hypothetical or speculative reconstructions of features, buildings, or landscapes based on archaeological evidence, providing insights into past appearance and function.Hand-drawn drawings, digital graphic (e.g. .jpg, .png or .svg)
GIS Data and Outputs (Digital)Integration of GIS to enhance analysis and understanding of spatial relationships, distributions, and site formation processes, including map creation and spatial data analysis.GIS files including data tables, shapefiles, and spatial raster data Metadata (e.g. .csv, .shp, .kml, .gdb, .gml, .geojson, .geotiff), or vector graphics format (e.g. .dxf, .dwg or svg)
Digital Archive Reports (Digital)Use of modern tech and platforms to disseminate findings, including online databases and digital archives, to ensure accessibility and promote public engagement.Digital report online (e.g. .pdf or .docx), database entries (e.g. .db, .csv or .xlsx)

It is important to note that some elements can exist in both analogue and digital formats, depending on the specific project requirements (example file types above are for digital formats only).

Header Image Credits: left to right – CC BY-NC 2.0 Wessex Archaeology Excavation of Bedminster Smelting Works https://www.flickr.com/photos/wessexarchaeology/52131272454/. CC BY 4.0 Museum of London Archaeology (2019) Moorgate Shaft, 91-109 Moorgate (Crossrail XSP10) https://doi.org/10.5284/1055108. Example of a Matrix diagram showing conventions for Top of matrix (+) and Bottom of the matrix (eg. NFE – No Further Excavation).