Accidental Discoveries in Archaeology

Overview

There is no doubt that dedicated research, meticulous excavation, scientific analysis, and application of technology aids in the discovery of important archaeological sites, artifacts, and information. However, sometimes incredible archaeological finds are made by accident, which tells us that even the complete novice might stumble upon the discovery of a lifetime. You have probably heard of the Lascaux Cave paintings, the Rosetta Stone, the Xian Terracotta Army, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Lyceum of Aristotle, and the Venus de Milo. What do all of these incredible finds have in common? They were not discovered by a professional archaeologist as the result of an archaeological project, but all were accidents!