Meaning: The quote "The contents of the massive banks behind these successive revetments makes it quite clear that the material was derived from the incorporation of earlier occupation levels" by Kathleen Kenyon encapsulates the essence of archaeological stratigraphy and its significance in understanding the historical context of a site. Kathleen Kenyon was a pioneering archaeologist known for her extensive work in the field of stratigraphy, particularly at the ancient city of Jericho.

In this quote, Kenyon is referring to the layers of material found behind revetments, which are retaining walls or embankments used to reinforce an archaeological site. She highlights that the contents of these layers provide clear evidence that the material was derived from the incorporation of earlier occupation levels. This concept is fundamental to the study of stratigraphy, which involves the analysis of the sequential layers of soil, artifacts, and other remains at an archaeological site to reconstruct its history and understand the activities that took place over time.

When examining an archaeological site, layers of soil and debris accumulate over centuries or millennia, creating a stratigraphic record that mirrors the site's history. Each layer represents a distinct period of human activity, and the artifacts and remains within these layers can reveal valuable information about the people, cultures, and civilizations that inhabited the site in the past. By carefully excavating and analyzing these layers, archaeologists can piece together the chronological sequence of events and gain insights into the site's development and use over time.

In the context of Kenyon's work at Jericho, the "massive banks" and "successive revetments" she refers to likely pertain to the fortification systems and architectural features found at the site. Through her meticulous excavation and analysis of the stratigraphy, Kenyon was able to decipher the complex history of Jericho, including its periods of construction, destruction, and rebuilding. Her findings shed light on the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of the ancient city, contributing significantly to our understanding of the region's past.

The incorporation of material from earlier occupation levels, as mentioned in the quote, underscores the concept of cultural accumulation and sedimentation. As people inhabited and utilized a site over time, the remnants of their activities became buried within the layers of soil, creating a stratigraphic record that preserves a wealth of archaeological data. By recognizing the presence of earlier materials within later construction or deposits, archaeologists can trace the continuity and changes in human behavior, technology, and material culture across different time periods.

Furthermore, Kenyon's emphasis on the "massive banks" and "successive revetments" suggests the deliberate construction and modification of the site's physical features by its inhabitants. This speaks to the importance of understanding not only the artifacts and organic remains within the stratigraphic layers but also the built environment and landscape modifications that reflect human agency and adaptation over time.

In summary, Kathleen Kenyon's quote underscores the critical role of stratigraphy in archaeological research and the interpretation of material culture. Her work at Jericho exemplifies how the careful analysis of stratigraphic sequences can unravel the complexities of ancient societies and provide valuable insights into human history. By recognizing the incorporation of earlier occupation levels within the stratigraphic record, archaeologists can reconstruct the dynamics of ancient sites and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural processes that shaped them.

The study of stratigraphy continues to be a cornerstone of archaeological investigation, enabling researchers to unravel the layers of the past and piece together the narratives of ancient civilizations. Kathleen Kenyon's contributions to this field have left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of archaeologists to delve into the stratigraphic depths of our shared human heritage.