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Archaeology History» Archaeology FAQ» Why do you dig in squares? Use triangles, circles, or hexagons? Answer
   
Why do you dig in squares? Use triangles, circles, or hexagons?
   
The archaeologist digs in squares as part of an attempt to control the progress of an excavation. Digging a site wipe out it, so archaeologists are careful to keep excellent records of where they dig. The squares follow the orientation grid for a site, allowing good horizontal and vertical control. It would also be possible to work in triangles, circles, or hexagons, but squares are the simple to keep track of and map.