Battlefield archaeology is an important tool in discovering how past battles were fought and won. While historical documents are handed down by man and contain the possibility of human manipulation, physical evidence is unmistakable.

Battlefield archaeology began in 1983 with Dr. Douglas D. Scott's study on the battle of Little Bighorn. As with every archaeological study of the past there are several goals in this type of study. One is focusing on the land itself to better understand the details of the battle. Strategies and tactics that made up the battle and etched in the ground and are better then even an eyewitness of the account. Studies can also show the individual behavior on the battlefield. Battlefield archaeology can show a pattern to the battle, giving insight to how the terrain was used and tactics were formed, as well as how the battle was lost.

Historical record is only one part of analysis that should be taken into account in studying the past. Written records are often the impression of the person that wrote them down, and while they are mostly accurate, archaeology has no room for bias. History and archeology should go hand in hand when interpreting the past. The fieldwork at the site of the battle of Little Bighorn showed that there should be a new level of appreciation for the weapons and tactics used by the Lakota and Cheyenne Indians.

Battlefield archaeology is a fascinating study that should be used in conjunction with historical data to get a more complete picture of the past.

Learn more about this author, Danielle Friedl.
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