Since antiquity the tombs and graves of ancient peoples have been viewed as a treasure trove. From the Roman emperors who took home obelisks to adorn their villas and public spaces, to the 19th century archaeologists exploring the tombs of the Egyptians, ancient graves have often been desecrated and stripped of their contents. 

However, the study of archaeology has changed significantly over the past 200 years. From the introduction of survey methods in the 1900s, which led to the development of detailed excavation plans, to the use of photography and computers in the 20th century, each advance has transformed archaeology into a scientific area of study, governed by strict laws, methodologies and procecedures.

The following selection of sites illustrate the ways in which archaeologists have explored the ancient world, while at the same time demonstrating how the science of archaeology has evolved in the last two centuries.