Urban archaeology investigates the material past of towns and cities, where centuries of human habitation and waste accumulation create a remarkably rich historical record. For millennia, city dwellers often buried or discarded their refuse directly on site, leading to settlements being built on successive layers of debris and demolished structures—a phenomenon clearly visible in "tel" sites that rise significantly above the surrounding landscape. This deep stratification allows archaeologists to uncover unforeseen historical events.

A prime example is the City of London, where excavations since the late 1900s revealed a distinctive dark layer attributed to Boudica's burning of the city in 60 AD, a crucial discovery only made possible through urban excavation. Beyond historical transitions, this discipline also offers insights into social, racial, and economic dynamics. In modern times, urban archaeology balances the public's interest in heritage with the practicalities of redevelopment, while also informing the creation of more inclusive and sustainable urban environments for future generations.