FIELD: archaeology.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of archaeological excavations, namely, to the effective exploration of ancient and medieval mounds without applying earthmoving machinery, and can be used in the exploration of moated mounds with earth embankments with a diameter of up to 30 mand a height up to 2 m. The method includes marking, sectoring, laying baulks and trenches. Immediately after visually determining the centre and the boundary of the mound embankment, trenches continuing the two marked baulks are laid in order to identify the presence of an adjacent moat. The length of each baulk is determined with account for the boundaries of the moat adjacent to the embankment. The sectors between the baulks are divided into three segments: the extreme segment including the adjacent moat, the middle and the central segments. Excavations are started from the extreme segments. Soil is removed in the area of the adjacent moat in layers; the boundaries of the adjacent moat are recorded and added to the excavation plan. The discovered finds are recorded. The soil is piled beyond and as close as possible to the excavation boundary; then the excavation of the rest of the extreme segments and, simultaneously, of the central segments is continued. The soil of the extreme segments is piled as close to the boundary of the excavation as possible, as well as in the moat, and the soil of the central segments is piled as close as possible to the boundary of the central segments - in the middle segments. Stratigraphic sections are recorded along the sections of the baulks located in the extreme and central segments; the sections of the baulks are removed in layers; the extreme segments are filled with the soil returned from beyond the excavation boundary to the boundaries of the explored adjacent moat in the amount required for complete reclamation. The filling of the burial pit in the central segments is removed in layers, wherein the soil is piled in the middle segments. The discovered finds are recorded; the soil is returned from the middle segments to the burial pit in the centre of the excavation and to the entire area of the central segments. The middle segments are excavated in layers, wherein the soil is piled in the central and extreme segments. Stratigraphic sections are recorded along the sections of the baulks, and after the middle segments are explored, the soil is returned to the original place; the top soil is pre-removed before the excavation of each segment in the form of regular rectangles and piled separately beyond the excavation area. The excavation is completely reclaimed, and the original appearance of the surface of the mound embankment is restored.
EFFECT: increase in the effectiveness of excavations, reduction in the duration and labour intensity thereof.
1 cl, 2 dwg
