Stratigraphic column. Historical sequence of archeological sites in Almería.

Just past the entrance hall is a giant stratigraphic column, the hub around which the whole museum is articulated. The column commences on the ground floor and rises to the third floor; the different periods addressed on each floor correspond to the relevant layers in the stratigraphic sequence.

The column is a realistic 3D representation of an actual stratigraphic section. However, some small changes have been made as dictated by the needs of this guide: extra layers have been added for the huntergatherer societies and the modern and contemporary ages, which are not represented in the exhibition. The side of the column facing the entrance hall has a multi-screen with an audiovisual loop projection about the passage of time. On the opposite side is a graphic display of the column itself showing the different periods. Visitors can move around the display by pressing the interactive touch screens near this side of the column on every floor in the building.

Archaeological research is aimed at studying and understanding the material remains of our ancestor societies. For that purpose, it uses a series of techniques and analyses that serve to improve our know edge of these societies. Archaeological sites are formed by the progressive accumulation of earth layers produced by both natural causes ( erosion) and human activity. Thanks to certain archaelogical techniques, these layers are removed, and the unearthed artefacts located, registered and kept for further studies.