Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Single Context, Metacontext, and High Definition Archaeology: Integrating New Standards of Stratigraphic Excavation and Recording

Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Cite this article

Abstract

Recently, new augmented recording techniques have entered archaeological fieldwork. We review a major urban excavation in Ribe, Denmark, which has adopted a systematic use of 3D laser scanning and intensive soil and sediment micromorphological sampling as part of the excavation recording practice. Both methods represent a major advance in field documentation, achieving a higher degree of detail and precision for the recording of archaeological features. We argue that these technologies also challenge the current paradigm of single-context recording, i.e. the separation of layers and features as all-encompassing units of recording. First, 3D digital recording implies that contexts are defined in a more definite way than previously, with less flexibility for recursive revision. Second, micromorphology demonstrates how the strata separated in excavation are only a subset of those created in deposition. We call for a new approach, which takes into consideration the fact that excavation units do not always mirror depositional events, as assumed by single-context theory, and that different kinds of observations may not overlap, as assumed in single-context practice. Instead, interfaces, matrices and assemblages are restored as separate units to record and feed into the interpretation cycle. This may be described as recording metacontext: observations that go across or between contexts. We demonstrate how a systematic metacontext registration can lead to a manageable and more detailed excavation record, more faithful to the archaeologists’ observations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11

References

  • Adams, M. (1992). Stratigraphy after Harris: some questions. In K. Steane (Ed.), Interpretation of stratigraphy: a review of the art (pp. 13–16). Lincoln: City of Lincoln Archaeological Unit.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aldeias, V., Dibble, H. L., Sandgathe, D., Goldberg, P., & McPherron, S. J. P. (2016). How heat alters underlying deposits and implications for archaeological fire features: a controlled experiment. Journal of Archaeological Science, 67, 64–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arroyo-Kalin, M. (2017). Amazonian dark earths. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 345–358). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ashby, S. P., Coutu, A. N., & Sindbæk, S. M. (2015). Urban networks and Arctic outlands: craft specialists and reindeer antler in Viking towns. European Journal of Archaeology, 18(4), 679–704.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banerjea, R. Y., Bell, M., Matthews, W., & Brown, A. (2015). Applications of micromorphology to understanding activity areas and site formation processes in experimental hut floors. Archaeological and Anthropological Science, 7(1), 89–112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker, P. (1977). Techniques of archaeological excavation. London: Batsford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker, P. (1993). Techniques of archaeological excavation (3rd ed.). London: Batsford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bencard, M., & Jørgensen, L. B. (1990). Excavation and stratigraphy. In M. Bencard, L. B. Jørgensen, & H. B. Madsen (Eds.), Ribe excavations 1970–1976, 4 (pp. 15–163). Esbjerg: Sydjysk Universitetsforlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benyarku, C. A. & Stoops, G. (2005). Guidelines for preparation of rock and soil thin sections and polished sections. Quaderns DMACS, 33. Lleida: Department de Medi Ambient I Ciències del Sòl, Universitat de Lleida.

  • Berggren, Å., & Hodder, I. (2003). Social practice, method, and some problems of field archaeology. American Antiquity, 68(03), 421–434.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berggren, Å., Dell’Unto, N., Forte, M., Haddow, S., Hodder, I., Issavi, J., Lercari, N., Mazzucato, C., Mickel, A., & Taylor, J. (2015). Revisiting reflexive archaeology at Çatalhöyük: integrating digital and 3D technologies at the trowel’s edge. Antiquity, 89(344), 433–448. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2014.43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borderie, Q., Devos, Y., Nicosia, C., Cammas, C., & Macphail, R. (2015). Les terres noires dans l’approche géoarchéologique des contextes urbains. In N. Carcaud & G. Arnaud-Fassetta (Eds.), La Géoarchéologie Française Au XXIe Siècle (pp. 247–258). Paris: CNRS éditions.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borderie, Q., Ball, T., Banerjea, R., Bizri, M., Lejault, C., Save, S., & Vaughan-Williams, A. (2019). Early Middle Ages houses of Gien (France) from the inside: geoarchaeology and archaeobotany of 9th–11th c. floors. Environmental Archaeology. https://doi.org/10.1080/14614103.2018.1534716.

  • Bowsher, D., Holder, N., Howell, I., & Dyson, T. (2007). The London Guildhall: the archaeology and history of the Guildhall Precinct from the Medieval period to the 20th century. London: Museum of London Archaeological Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burch, M., Treveil, P., & Keene, D. (2011). The development of early medieval and later poultry and cheapside: excavations at 1 poultry and vicinity, City of London. London: Museum of London Archaeology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canti, M. (2001). What is geoarchaeology? Re-examining the relationship between archaeology and earth science. In U. Albarella (Ed.), Environmental archaeology: meaning and purpose (pp. 103–112). Dordrecht: Kluwer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, M. (2005). Key ideas in excavation. In C. Renfrew & P. Bahn (Eds.), Archaeology: the key concepts (pp. 79–82). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, M. (2009). Archaeological investigation. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, G. (2012). How to archaeologize with a hammer. In H. Cobb, O. J. T. Harris, C. Jones, & P. Richardson (Eds.), Reconsidering archaeological fieldwork: exploring on-site relationships between theory and practice (pp. 15–29). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, M. O. H. (2016). Making archaeology happen: design versus dogma. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carver, M., Gaydarska, B., & Monton-Subias, S. (Eds.). (2015). Field archaeology from around the world: ideas and approaches. Cham & Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chadwick, A. (1998). Archaeology at the edge of chaos: further towards reflexive excavation methodologies. Assemblage, 3, 97–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, P. (1992). Contrasts in the recording and interpretation of ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ stratification. In K. Steane (Ed.), Interpretation of stratigraphy: a review of the art (pp. 17–19). Lincoln: City of Lincoln Archaeological Unit.

    Google Scholar 

  • Courty, M.-A., Goldberg, P., & Macphail, R. I. (1989). Soils and micromorphology in archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crabtree, P. J., Reilly, E., Wouters, B., Devos, Y., Bellens, T., & Schryvers, A. (2017). Environmental evidence from early urban Antwerp: new data from archaeology, micromorphology, macrofauna and insect remains. Quaternary International, 460, 108–123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Croix, S. (2015). Permanency in early medieval emporia: reassessing Ribe. European Journal of Archaeology, 18(3), 497–523.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Roo, B., Stal, C., Lonneville, B., De Wulf, A., Bourgeois, J., & De Maeyer, P. (2016). Spatiotemporal data as the foundation of an archaeological stratigraphy extraction and management system. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 19, 522–530.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devos, Y., Vrydaghs, L., Degraeve, A., & Fechner, K. (2009). An archaeopedological and phytolitarian study of the “dark earth” on the site of Rue de Dinant (Brussels, Belgium). Catena, 78(3), 270–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devos, Y., Wouters, B., Vrydaghs, L., Tys, D., Bellens, T., & Schryvers, A. (2013). A soil micromorphological study on the origins of the early medieval trading centre of Antwerp (Belgium). Quaternary International, 315, 167–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doneus, M., & Neubauer, W. (2005). Laser scanners for 3D documentation of stratigraphic excavations. In E. P. Baltsavias, A. Gruen, L. Van Gool, & M. Pateraki (Eds.), Recording, modeling and visualization of cultural heritage (pp. 193–203). London: Taylor & Francis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drewett, P. (1999). Field archaeology: an introduction. London: UCL Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • FAO. (2006). Guidelines for soil profile description (4th ed.). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fedele, F. G. (1984). Towards an analytical stratigraphy: stratigraphy reasoning and excavation. Stratigraphica Archaeologica, 1, 7–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feveile, C. (2006a). Ribe on the north side of the river, 8th–12th century. In C. Feveile (Ed.), Ribe studier: Det ældste Ribe. Udgravninger på nordsiden af Ribe Å 1984–2000, 1.1 (pp. 65–92). Jysk Arkæologisk Selskab: Aarhus.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feveile, C. (Ed.). (2006b). Ribe studier: Det ældste Ribe. Udgravninger på nordsiden af Ribe Å 1984–2000, 1.1–1.2. Højbjerg: Jysk Arkæologisk Selskab.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feveile, C. (2012). Ribe: emporia and town in 8th–9th century. In S. Gelichi & R. Hodges (Eds.), From one sea to another: Trading places in the European and mediterranean early middle ages (pp. 111–122). Turnhout: Brepols.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feveile, C., & Jensen, S. (2000). Ribe in the 8th and 9th century: a contribution to the archaeological chronology of north western Europe. Acta Archaeologica, 71(1), 9–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feveile, C., & Jensen, S. (2006). ASR 9 Posthuset. In C. Feveile (Ed.), Ribe studier: Det ældste Ribe. Udgravninger på nordsiden af Ribe Å 1984–2000, 1.2 (pp. 119–189). Jysk Arkæologisk Selskab: Højbjerg.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frandsen, L. B., & Jensen, S. (2006). ASR 7 Sct. Nicolajgade 8. In C. Feveile (Ed.), Ribe studier: Det ældste Ribe. Udgravninger på nordsiden af Ribe Å 1984–2000, 1.2 (pp. 9–64). Jysk Arkæologisk Selskab: Højbjerg.

    Google Scholar 

  • French, C. (2015). A handbook of geoarchaeological approaches for investigating landscapes and settlement sites: studying scientific archaeology. Oxford: Oxbow Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friesem, D. E., Wattez, J., & Onfray, M. (2017). Earth construction materials. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 99–110). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galeazzi, F. (2016). Towards the definition of best 3D practices in archaeology: assessing 3D documentation techniques for intra-site data recording. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 17, 159–169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2015.07.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gasche, H., & Tunca, O. (1983). Guide to archaeostratigraphic classification and terminology: definitions and principles. Journal of Field Archaeology, 10, 325–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gé, T., Courty, M.-A., Matthews, W., & Wattez, J. (1993). Sedimentary formation processes of occupation surfaces. In P. Goldberg, D. T. Nash, & M. D. Petraglia (Eds.), Formation processes in archaeological context (pp. 149–163). Madison: Prehistory Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • GEUS (2018). Danish quaternary geological map. Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (online), https://eng.geus.dk/products-services-facilities/data-and-maps/maps-of-denmark/. Accessed 19 March 2019.

  • Goldberg, P., & Berna, F. (2010). Micromorphology and context. Quaternary International, 214(1-2), 56–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, P., & Macphail, R. I. (2003). Strategies and techniques in collecting micromorphology samples. Geoarchaeology, 18(5), 571–578.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, E. C. (1989). Principles of archaeological stratigraphy, 2nd edn. London: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heimdahl, J. (2005). Urbanised nature in the past: Site formation and environmental development in two Swedish towns, AD 1200–1800. Stockholm: Stockholm University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodder, I. (1992). Theory and practice in archaeology. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hodder, I. (1997). ‘Always momentary, fluid and flexible’: towards a reflexive excavation methodology. Antiquity, 71(273), 691–700.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huisman, H., & Milek, K. (2017). Turf as construction material. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 113–120). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hummler, M. (2015). Recording fieldwork. In M. Carver, B. Gaydarska, & S. Monton-Subias (Eds.), Field archaeology from around the world (pp. 63–69). Cham: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jupiter (2018). National boringsdatabase. Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (online), https://www.geus.dk/produkter-ydelser-og-faciliteter/data-og-kort/national-boringsdatabase-jupiter/. Accessed 19 March 2019.

  • Karkanas, P., & Goldberg, P. (2018). Phosphatic features. In G. Stoops, V. Marcelino, & F. Mees (Eds.), Interpretation of micromorphological features of soils and regoliths (2nd ed., pp. 323–346). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kimball, J. J. L. (2016). 3D delineation: a modernisation of drawing methodology for field archaeology. Oxford: Archaeopress.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kooistra, M. J., & Pulleman, M. M. (2018). Features related to faunal activity. In G. Stoops, V. Marcelino, & F. Mees (Eds.), Interpretation of micromorphological features of soils and regoliths, 2nd edn. (pp. 447–470). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kräling, H. (2014). Digitale Dokumentation: Die Weiterentwicklung der Lübecker Archäologie. In A. Falk, U. Müller, & M. Schneider (Eds.), Lübeck und der Hanseraum: Beiträge zu Archäologie und Kulturgeschichte. Festschrift für Manfred Gläser (pp. 131–134). Schmidt-Römhild: Lübeck.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kristiansen, K. (2014). Towards a new paradigm: the third science revolution and its possible consequences in archaeology. Current Swedish Archaeology, 22(4), 11–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krupski, M., Kabala, C., Sady, A., Gliński, R., & Wojcieszak, J. (2017). Double-and triple-depth digging and anthrosol formation in a medieval and modern-era city (Wrocław, SW Poland).Geoarchaeological research on past horticultural practices. CATENA, 153, 9–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langohr, R. (1994). Directives and rationale for adequate and comprehensive field soil data bases. New Waves in Soil Science, 5, 176–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsson, S. (2001). Stadens dolda kulturskikt: Lundaarkeologins förutsättningar och förståelsehorisonter uttryckt genom praxis för källmaterialsproduktion. Lund: Kulturhistoriska museet.

    Google Scholar 

  • Larsson, S. (2009). Theoretical and methodological directions in urban archaeology: the case of Lund, Sweden. In N. Engberg, A. N. Jørgensen, J. Kieffer-Olsen, P. K. Madsen, & C. Radtke (Eds.), Archaeology of medieval towns in the Baltic and North Sea area: 167–80 (pp. 167–180). Copenhagen: The National Museum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lucas, G. (2001). Critical approaches to fieldwork: contemporary and historical archaeological practice. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macphail, R. I. (2010). Dark earth and insights into changing land use of urban areas. In G. Speed & D. Sami (Eds.), Debating urbanism: within and beyond the walls c. AD 300 to c. AD 700 (pp. 145–165). Leicester Archaeology: Leicester.

    Google Scholar 

  • Macphail, R. I., Galinié, H., & Verhaeghe, F. (2003). A future for dark earth? Antiquity, 77(296), 349–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallol, C., & Mentzer, S. M. (2017). Contacts under the lens: perspectives on the role of microstratigraphy in archaeological research. Archaeoligical and Anthropological Sciences, 9(8), 1645–1669.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallol, C., Mentzer, S. M., & Miller, C. E. (2017). Combustion features. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 299–330). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, W., French, C. A. I., Lawrence, T., Cutler, D. F., & Jones, M. K. (1997). Microstratigraphic traces of site formation processes and human activities. World Archaeology, 29(2), 281–308.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milek, K. B. (2012). Floor formation processes and the interpretation of site activity areas: an ethnoarchaeological study of turf buildings at Thverá, Northeast Iceland. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, 31(2), 119–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Milek, K. B., & French, C. A. I. (2007). Soils and sediments in the settlement and harbour at Kaupang. In D. Skre (Ed.), Kaupang in Skiringssal, Kaupang excavation project publication series (pp. 321–360). Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicosia, C., & Stoops, G. (Eds.). (2017). Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nicosia, C., Devos, Y., & Borderie, Q. (2013). The contribution of geosciences to the study of European dark earths: a review. Post-classical archaeology, 3, 145–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Opitz, R. (2015). Three dimensional field recording in archaeology: an example from Gabii. In B. R. Olsen & W. R. Caraher (Eds.), Visions of substance: 3D imaging in Mediterranean archaeology (pp. 73–87). Grand Forks, ND: The Digital Press @ University of North Dakota Digital Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavel, C. (2012). Archaeological recording: form and content, theory and practice. Atek Na, 2, 33–74.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pilø, L. (2007). The fieldwork 1998-2003: overview and methods. In D. Skre (Ed.), Kaupang in Skiringssal (pp. 143–160). Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Py, M. (Ed.) (1997). SYSLAT 3.1. Système d’information archéologique: Manuel de référence. (Lattara 10). Lattes: Association pour la recherche archéologique en Languedoc oriental

  • Raja, R., & Sindbæk, S. M. (2018). Urban network evolutions: exploring dynamics and flows through evidence from urban contexts. In R. Raja & S. M. Sindbæk (Eds.), Urban network evolutions: towards a high-definition archaeology (pp. 13–18). Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rentzel, P., Nicosia, C., Gebhardt, A., Brönniman, D., Pümpin, C., & Ismail-Meyer, K. (2017). Trampling, poaching and the effect of traffic. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 281–298). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Röpke, A., & Dietl, C. (2017). Burnt soils and sediments. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 173–180). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roskams, S. (2001). Excavation. Cambridge manuals in archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saunders, T. (2000). Excavation and post-excavation methods and practices. In S. W. Nordeide (Ed.), Utgravningene i erkebispegården i Trondheim. Excavations in the Archbishop's Palace: Methods, chronlogy and site development (NIKU temahefte) (Vol. 12, pp. 19–38). Trondheim: NIKU.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiffer, M. B. (1987). Formation processes of the archaeological record. Albuquerque, N.M.: 10.1007/s10816-019-09417-x University of New Mexico Press.

  • Sindbæk, S. M. (2017). Urbanism and exchange in the North Atlantic/Baltic, 600–1000 CE. In T. Hodos (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of archaeology and globalization (pp. 553–565). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sindbæk, S. M. (2018). Northern Emporium: the archaeology of urban networks in Viking-Age Ribe. In R. Raja & S. Sindbæk (Eds.), Urban network evolutions: towards a high-definition archaeology (pp. 161–166). Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sode, T., Feveile, C., & Schnell, U. (2010). An investigation on segmented, metal-foiled glass beads and blown, mirrored glass beads from Ribe, Denmark. In J. Callmer, C. Theune, F. Biermann, R. Struwe, & G. H. Jeute (Eds.), Zwischen Fjorden und Steppe: Festschrift für Johan Callmer zum 65. Geburtstag (pp. 319–328). Verlag Marie Leidorf: Rahden/Westf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoops, G. (2003). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin section. Madison: Soil Science Society of America.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tassie, G. J. (2015). Single-context recording in the context of archaeological fieldwork in Egypt: part one. In F. A. Hassan, G. J. Tassie, L. S. Owens, A. De Trafford, J. van Wetering, & O. El Daly (Eds.), The management of Egypt’s cultural heritage, 2 (pp. 175–184). London: ECHO and Golden House Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turney, C., Canti, M., Branch, N., & Clark, P. (2005). Environmental archaeology: theoretical and practical approaches. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valente, R., Brumana, R., Oreni, D., Banfi, F., Barazzetti, L. & Previtali, M. (2017). Object-oriented approach for 3D archaeological documentation. The international archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences, XLII-2/W5, 707–712.

  • van Riel, S. (2016). Exploring the use of 3D GIS as an analytical tool in archaeological excavation practice. Unpublished thesis, Lund University.

  • Vepraskas, M. J., Lindbo, D. L., & Stolt, M. H. (2018). Redoximorphic features. In G. Stoops, V. Marcelino, & F. Mees (Eds.), Interpretation of micromorphological features of soils and regoliths (2nd ed., pp. 425–446). Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verleyen, E., Sabbe, K., Vyverman, W., & Nicosia, C. (2017). Siliceous microfossils from single-celled organisms: Diatoms and chrysophycean stomatocysts. In C. Nicosia & G. Stoops (Eds.), Archaeological soil and sediment micromorphology (pp. 165–170). Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vince, A. (1995). Approaches to residuality in urban archaeology. Interpreting Stratigraphy, 5, 9–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • von Carnap, C., Hilberg, V., & Schultze, J. (2014). Research in Hedeby: obligations and responsibilities. In C. von Carnap (Ed.), Quo vadis? Status and future perspectives of long-term excavations in Europe (pp. 225–248). Hamburg: Wachholtz Murmann Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weiner, S. (2010). Microarchaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westman, A. (ed.), (1994). Archaeological site manual. London: Museum of London.

  • Wouters, B. (2016). Geoarchaeological and micromorphological approaches to the formation and biographies of Early Medieval towns in Northwest Europe. Unpublished doctoral thesis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel/University of Aberdeen.

  • Wouters, B. (2018). Geoarchaeology and micromorphology at Ribe: a northern emporium in high definition. In R. Raja & S. M. Sindbæk (Eds.), Urban network evolutions: towards a high-definition archaeology (pp. 175–182). Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wouters, B. (2019). A biographical approach to urban communities from a geoarchaeological perspective: high-definition applications and case studies. In R. Raja & S. M. Sindbæk (Eds.), Biographies of place. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wouters, B., Milek, K., Devos, Y., & Tys, D. (2016). Soil micromorphology in urban research: Early medieval Antwerp (Belgium) and Viking age Kaupang (Norway). In B. Jervis, L. G. Broderick, & I. Grau-Sologestoa (Eds.), Objects, environment, and everyday life in medieval Europe. Studies in the history of daily life (800–1600) (pp. 279–298). Brepols: Turnhout.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wouters, B., Devos, Y., Milek, K., Vrydaghs, L., Bartholomieux, B., Tys, D., Moolhuizen, C., & van Asch, N. (2017). Medieval markets: a soil micromorphological and archaeobotanical study of the urban stratigraphy of Lier (Belgium). Quaternary International, 460, 48–64.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work constitutes part of the Northern Emporium Excavation project, supported by a Carlsberg Foundation Semper Ardens research grant and by the Danish National Research Foundation under the grant DNRF119 – Centre of Excellence for Urban Network Evolutions (UrbNet). We wish to thank the Museum of Southwest Jutland and staff for great collaboration, and Michael Blömer, Federica Sulas, Kirstine Haase and Johan Sandvang Larsen for valuable input to discussions. Barbora Wouters thanks Kristin Ismail-Meyer, IPNA, University of Basel and Yannick Devos, Université Libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel for discussion of geoarchaeological interpretation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

    Sarah Croix, Pieterjan Deckers, Søren M. Sindbæk & Barbora Wouters

  2. Museums of Southwest Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark

    Claus Feveile, Maria Knudsen & Sarah Skytte Qvistgaard

Authors
  1. Sarah Croix
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pieterjan Deckers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Claus Feveile
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Maria Knudsen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Sarah Skytte Qvistgaard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Søren M. Sindbæk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Barbora Wouters
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Søren M. Sindbæk.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic Supplementary Material

ESM 1

(DOCX 5658 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Croix, S., Deckers, P., Feveile, C. et al. Single Context, Metacontext, and High Definition Archaeology: Integrating New Standards of Stratigraphic Excavation and Recording. J Archaeol Method Theory 26, 1591–1631 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10816-019-09417-x

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10816-019-09417-x

Keywords

search

Navigation