What is the function of relative dating in archaeology?

Relative dating in archaeology serves the essential function of estimating the age of materials based on their relation to other materials within the same context. This method doesn't provide an exact age but rather establishes a sequence or a relative timeline of when events occurred, or when artifacts were created, based on their stratigraphic position or their association with other dated materials.

This is particularly valuable because it helps archaeologists understand the chronological order of human activities or geological events without the need for absolute numerical dates. For instance, if one artifact is found above another in a stratigraphic layer, it can be inferred that the upper artifact is younger than the one below it. This technique is foundational in archaeology, as it lays the groundwork for building a sequence of cultural or environmental change over time.

The focus on relative rather than absolute dating methods emphasizes that while specific dates for artifacts may not be accessible, contextual relationships can still yield crucial insights into the past.