What is the primary focus of stratigraphy in archaeology?

Stratigraphy in archaeology primarily focuses on examining layers of soil and rock, which is fundamental to understanding the chronological sequence of human activity. This technique involves analyzing how these layers, or strata, build up over time, allowing archaeologists to date artifacts and features found within them. By studying the composition, context, and order of these layers, researchers can reconstruct past environments and cultural developments, discerning patterns related to settlement, usage, and even environmental changes.

In essence, stratigraphy serves as a critical method for establishing a timeline of human history and prehistory, offering insights into how different societies interacted with their environment and each other across different periods. This emphasis on the physical evidence provided by layered deposits is what distinguishes stratigraphy as a key aspect of archaeological research.