Is an archaeological dig a thing of the past?

[Still Waters]

Archaeological discoveries are more likely to be found by technology than with a trowel and a torch, writes classical historian Mary Beard.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...gazine-27236869

[Sir Wearer of Hats]

Found by technology, dug up by hand.

[Keel M.]

I know this to be true because I just finished a MOOC archaeology class and learned how they dig only after doing as much field work as they can above ground. There's very little "hey let's dig here and see what we find". They dig in more precise areas where they are sure something will be found. It's also a matter of there still being stuff to be found for future generations.

[lightly]

All the new imaging techniques are great for finding and mapping the outlines of structures and foundations and what nots . Before , you had to dig to see what was under each lump or trace of a line? You still have to dig to learn more and to find the little things?

[Kenemet]

Technology's making it much easier to find things (thank the gods.) However, they still have to be removed by hand and prepped by hand.