Archaeology Glossary
Plain-language definitions for students and new researchers. Specialist literature may use terms in narrower ways.
How to use the glossary
Archaeological vocabulary can appear intimidating because the same word may be used differently across subfields. These definitions are intentionally concise. Students should consult specialist literature when a term is being used in a formal research paper.
When reading an excavation report, pay attention to terms describing context, chronology, material, structure and interpretation. Knowing the vocabulary helps distinguish what was physically observed from the conclusion drawn from that observation.
Beyond the archive's core glossary
Provenance
The documented origin and ownership history of an object, including its findspot and the chain of custody after recovery.
Typology
The classification of objects or structures into types based on shared physical characteristics, used to build relative chronologies.
In situ
Describing an object or feature found and recorded in its original archaeological position, before removal.
Tentative List
UNESCO's inventory of properties a country intends to nominate for World Heritage status, a required step before formal nomination.
Heritage Impact Assessment
A structured evaluation of how a proposed development or change might affect a heritage site's significance and physical fabric.
Adaptive reuse
Converting a historic structure to a new function while retaining its significant physical fabric, as distinct from demolition or pure museum preservation.
Intangible cultural heritage
Practices, knowledge, skills and expressions that communities recognize as part of their cultural heritage, as distinct from physical monuments.
Safeguarding
Measures intended to ensure the viability of intangible cultural heritage, including identification, documentation, transmission and revitalization.