What I first noticed were the numerous squares dug down to the subsoil which varied in depth from 10 to 20 cm below the surface. Some squares had small yellow flags attached to thin metal stakes stuck into the ground where there was a find that deserved further investigation. Other flags or wooden stakes marked the corners of the squares called excavation units. A couple of those sites showed what appeared to be an animal jaw with several teeth still present. I was also shown what appeared to be the stones of a foundation wall.
Archaeology is certainly a hands-on discipline.
The experts in archaeology, in flora, and in fauna dug in a very skilful way and threw the dirt into screens. That's where the volunteers came in handy. Our job was to shake the screens to get rid of useless dirt and to look carefully for any man made or animal objects. No buttons, dishes, cups, plates or treasure was found by us. We did see buttons and large bone fragments that had previously been found elsewhere.