STEP 1- First archeologists map the site. These maps show any doors, walls, chambers, wells, and anything else still standing. They also list any other natural objects in the area like boulders or trees.

STEP 2- Archeologists make grids over the site with strings held by stakes. These grids help the archeologists keep track of where the artifacts are found. Each square of the grid is numbered to identify it's location. A second code indicates how far down in the ground each artifact is found.

STEP 3- Diggers strip the top layer of soil and rock off. This is the most common layers. Next they strip off a second layer, then a third, then a fourth, and so on. Each layer is older then the last. The diggers will stop when they reach Bedrock (also known as soil rock) or when no more artifacts are found.

STEP 4- Gun powder and dynamite can move lots of rock quickly, but to safe guard the artifacts, you need less harmful tools. For instance, diggers use toothbrushes, dental picks, paint brushes, small trowels, and other small tools to free artifacts from the layers of earth.

STEP 5- Screeners sift buckets of dirt, rock, and soil for small artifacts like buttons, needles,or even a tooth pick. These could hold very important information.

STEP 6- The larger artifacts that are found are drawn or photographed exactly how they lay before any one tries to remove them.

STEP 7- Next they begin to restore the artifacts, which is a very slow process. The scientists must be very careful not to break any of the fragile pieces.