WHY ANCIENT STRUCTURES ARE ALWAYS FOUND UNDERGROUND?

Ancient ruins evoke images of structures firmly rooted in the ground, rather than suspended or hanging from trees. Archaeologists have extensively excavated most of the ancient artifacts found in museums worldwide, requiring considerable digging efforts. Over time, buildings tend to deteriorate and decay if not properly maintained. Materials from older constructions are often reused, sacrificing the integrity of previous structures. Additionally, abandoned houses exposed to the elements, such as rain and sunlight, gradually crumble due to erosion. Therefore, architectural relics can only withstand the test of time if they become buried deep underground.

The process by which ancient cities became buried is akin to a comedic series of mishaps. These settlements continually raised their ground level by piling rubble to construct new houses. Waste and rubbish were of little concern in ancient times, making it convenient to build atop accumulated debris. Furthermore, periodic river floods deposited sediment layers onto city floors, further entombing ancient structures. In arid regions like deserts, where wind incessantly shifts sand and dust, maintaining cleanliness was an ongoing struggle. The Sphinx provides a humorous example, with its head buried in sand until archaeologists unearthed it in 1817.

Certain ancient towns became buried as they were abandoned, allowing plant seeds to take root and grow uncontrollably. These plants absorbed carbon dioxide from the air, contributing to the accumulation of layers of soil. The roots of these plants further stabilized the soil, creating multiple layers of sediment. Mother Nature embarked on the ultimate do-it-yourself project with plants as her loyal accomplices, resulting in the preservation of ancient civilizations beneath layers of history.

Archaeological excavation is not merely about uncovering a lost world but also an epic quest to reveal the hidden treasures concealed beneath layers of sediment, debris, and plant roots. Determining where to dig amidst these challenges requires a systematic approach. Archaeologists are not always the initiators of excavations; they are often called upon when construction projects necessitate checking the soil for artifacts or organic remnants.

To locate ancient sites, archaeologists embark on a journey through historic records, employing their detective skills. They scour old documents and maps, piecing together the puzzle of human activity in specific areas. Existing records of past excavations or historical accounts provide valuable insights to guide further exploration. Before wielding their shovels, archaeologists conduct a visual survey of the site, employing a grid system to spot artifacts hiding beneath the surface. Their trained eyes can quickly identify signs of human activity, including garbage dumps known as middens, indicating past habitation.

Archaeologists employ an array of tools and gadgets to aid in their search for hidden wonders. Geophysical instruments serve as their secret weapons. The resistivity meter measures the electrical properties of soil and detects buried features or artifacts, while magnetometers and ground-penetrating radar provide potential indications of ancient treasures. Additionally, GPS technology enables archaeologists to map precise locations, acting as a high-tech treasure map leading them to their discoveries.

Allow me to virtually guide you through some of the world's most important archaeological sites. In the United Kingdom, we find Stonehenge, a remarkable place where massive ancient stones stand tall and proud, arranged in intricate patterns. Stonehenge has stood for over five thousand years, and its purpose remains shrouded in mystery. Local folklore suggests the involvement of the legendary Wizard Merlin, while others speculate it was once an old Roman spiritual edifice. Regardless, the construction of Stonehenge by Bronze Age ancestors using simple tools showcases their remarkable ingenuity.

Another notable site is the ancient city of Pompeii, located near present-day Naples, Italy. Buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii remained preserved for centuries until its rediscovery in 1748. Excavations revealed a wealth of well-preserved artifacts, including streets,

houses, jewelry, sculptures, frescoes, everyday items, and even human and animal remains. Pompeii was a thriving city, complete with luxurious bathhouses, an arena, artisan shops, and the sanctuary of Apollo, where people gathered for worship. Its inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1997 solidifies its status as an iconic archaeological site alongside renowned landmarks like the Taj Mahal in India and the Acropolis of Athens in Greece.