What defines a tell site in archaeology?

A tell site in archaeology is fundamentally characterized as an artificial mound created from the accumulation of human-made debris and remains over time. These mounds typically arise where settlements have been built and rebuilt over centuries or even millennia, often as populations inhabit the site continuously or repeatedly. As the inhabitants leave behind materials—like pottery, tools, and refuse—these layers accumulate, forming a notable elevation that is distinctly different from surrounding landscapes.

This stratification allows archaeologists to study the site in chronological layers, revealing insights into the culture, lifestyle, and historical changes of the people who lived there. Such mounds are especially significant in the study of ancient civilizations in regions like the Near East, where many tell sites have been excavated, yielding important artifacts that contribute to our understanding of human history and development.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of a tell site. For instance, a natural hill formed by geological processes is not the result of human activity, while a settlement with circular layouts or a burial ground would not typically create the layered, artificial structure characteristic of a tell.