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Post-Ex
Post-excavation work ('post-ex') is what happens to data from excavations after the on-site work finishes. It is a
complex process, often taking longer than the dig itself. On large projects, post-ex can be as expensive to carry out
as the on-site excavation phase and involves a wide range of specialist analytical and management skills.
Excavations constantly produce new data. Archaeological interpretation of this often changes day by day. Time
pressure usually means that there is little time to consider this material properly. All that on-site archaeologists
can do is record what they see as carefully as possible. Site records are written (often fairly rapidly), plans drawn
and photographs taken, but these are rarely subjected to detailed analysis before the dig ends. Samples of soil,
objects and structural material are removed from sites for a variety of reasons, which include environmental analysis
and dating. Samples may be part-processed on site to remove the bulk soil content, but scientific analysis usually
happens off-site in a laboratory. Finds are carefully lifted and packed on site, but undergo only elementary
conservation and analysis.
Post-ex work involves the cross-checking and archiving of this raw data; structural, dating and environmental
analysis of the data (undertaken by a range of specialists many of whom may not have visited the actual excavation);
and the final interpretation and publication of the project. Post-ex should be carefully costed into the project
design from the beginning - even prior to the excavation. A problem in archaeology during the 1960's and 1970's was a
widespread lack of resources for post-ex requirements - this has meant that on many sites the post-ex has taken far
longer to complete than should have been the case. The post-ex manager (who may or may not be the excavation director)
has to keep a sharp eye on the budget (costs can spiral out of control) and maintain a keen awareness of the evolving
interpretation of the archaeology. It is common for some of the most exciting discoveries to be made in post-ex, when
unexpected connections are made between elements of the site, or scientific analyses provide informative results.
Learn more about Evidence or return to main Teaching and Learning page.
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