1.3 Stratigraphic analysis in relation to finds and samples

In the archaeological record there are three main sources of information:

• 1. The field record comprising special and descriptive material record of deposits, cut features and material structures
• 2. Artefacts and ecofacts
• 3. Soil samples

All three sources can be used to provide a site sequence and chronology but paramount is the stratigraphy: if there is a sequence of deposition, this has to be taken into account first, before the finds and samples can be fully understood. If there is no stratigraphy, finds can still provide a chronology according to their date range, clusters and types.

As this manual deals mainly with stratigraphic analysis, finds and samples are taken into account at a later stage for two reasons:

• As a source for dating
• Together with samples, to understand the kind of occupation in specific areas

Only exceptionally, in cases of extreme uncertainty, finds and samples are used to establish a sequence. In an urban context, too many pottery sherds can be found ex situ, they would be unreliable to provide a layer date at a one-to-one basis.