sondage

archaeology

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July 20, 2026

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A sondage in archaeology is a preliminary sounding of the earth, essentially a small-scale trial excavation. This process is conducted before a larger archaeological excavation begins to assess the potential of a site. It helps archaeologists understand what lies beneath the surface, guiding their decisions on where and how to proceed with more extensive digging. The term "sondage" comes from the French word for "sounding," reflecting its purpose of probing the ground.12

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excavation
…by sampling cuts known as sondages. Large sites are not usually dug out entirely, although a moderate-sized round barrow may be completely moved by excavation. Whatever the site and the extent of the excavation, discovery or location is typically followed by surveying and mapping, site sampling, and the development of…
Read More
…by sampling cuts known as sondages. Large sites are not usually dug out entirely, although a moderate-sized round barrow may be completely moved by excavation. Whatever the site and the extent of the excavation, discovery or location is typically followed by surveying and mapping, site sampling, and the development of…
Read More