User:Decerex/Battlefield archaeology

Battlefield Archaeology is the study of military skirmishes, topography of the battlefield, and what was left behind. For instance, common artifacts would be cannons and firearm fragments from a Revolutionary War battle. Data cannot be counted as evidence until a pattern is found. An example would be a unique looking bullet. If the artifact doesn't match any other data collected, the piece more than likely wasn't part of the conflict being studied. Information is found through historical references, regional archaeologists, and previous studies.

Persecution of battlefield thieves rarely occurs. Most penalties don't include jail time and usually involve a confiscation of items or metal detectors Act's have been passed to deter criminals, but looting still occurs. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) was one of these acts, but lacks penalties needed to cease crime. This issue applies to all Archaeological fields, not just Battlefield Archaology

Archaeological battlefields consist of skirmishes, sieges, camps, and training sites. Examination of these locations gives insight to what tactics were being used, weapon modifications, and battle formations.