Next Skill???

lol, figures I'd do that. I'm not expecting perfection obviously.

Archaeology has been talked about on the RS Forums before, it seems like a hot skill to have, it would add more to the digsite as well. many of you have noticed the changes to the museum and the fence along the way to Canifis, the man with the wheel barrow. also if you have been curious and ventured to the other side of that gate you cant go through, you see workers building a barge, and if you talk to halen, he says they found an island that will be good archaeologically... but you need the kudos. so, my question is, is JaGeX dropping hints on us paying attention, or is it just coincidence?

I don't mind a new skill but I don't want it to be costly.

On the last 4 skills they released, if you want to train them fast, 3 of them cost over 100M to get to 99. One of them is even 300M.

it seems like they release skills only to reduce the amount of gp in the game, and not to actually make people enjoy them.

About the Skill: Archaeology is a money making skill geared towards the discovery of treasures and artifacts from within the depths of the earth. Using excavation tools, you are able to dig up rock samples, in which may contain items of great value. While excavating you may also find rare fossils, which can be given to the Varrock Museum for decent prayer experience. Also, as you progress in the skill, you will be able to dig up entrance ways into ancient caverns filled with goodies specific to other skills, such as a new powerful type of fish, access to more rune rocks, the ability to cut your own logs into planks and spooky new hunter creatures. The skill is versatile in the sense that it involves almost every other skill within it. Also, Archaeology is tied closely into Mining. With a higher mining level, more of the Archaeology skill will be accessible to you, and you will find that you will receive better quality of rock samples while excavating.

How to Begin: To begin the Archaeology skill, you must first have completed the Ancient Tablet Quest. You can start this quest by speaking with the Master Archaeologist who is found at the south end of the Varrock Digsite, South East of Varrock. He will give you a Beginner's Excavation Kit, which includes a Rusty Trowel, Straw Brush and a Chisel. These will be the basic items you need to begin excavating, but more will be needed later on, and as you level you will be able to use more advanced versions of the Trowel and Brush. Below is a guide for the quest:


Ancient Tablet Quest Guide

Difficulty level: Easy
Start location: Speak to the Master Archaeologist south of the Varrock Digsite.
Required: None
Items: Rusty Trowel, Straw Brush, Chisel (Given to you by the Master Archaeologist), 1 Pickaxe
Monsters: None
NPC: Master Archaeologist, Archibald
Walkthrough:

A History Lesson
1. Speak to the Master Archaeologist, who can be found at the south end of the Varrock Digsite and ask him what’s going on. He will explain to you that he and his team of Archaeologists have been searching for an Ancient Cavern that supposedly holds a tablet that they have been seeking for years. He says they have narrowed down the location to the Varrock Digsite area, but are not entirely sure where the entrance to the Cavern is. He will ask you if you can help him find it. Agree to, and he will equip you with a Beginner’s Excavation Kit and tell you to speak with Archibald, one of his most promising students, to get any information you can.
2. Speak to Archibald, who is found in the Digsite area just slightly north of the Master Archaeologist. Ask him if he has any information on the Cavern’s whereabouts. He says he has a heading on where it may be located, but unfortunately is stubborn and won’t give up the information without having you perform a small errand for him. He tells you he wants you to dig up 5 Small Rock Samples and give them to him before he will say anything else.

Excavating the Rock Samples
3. Take the tools given to you in the Beginner’s Excavation Kit over to any of the many fissures you see on the ground of the digsite and click them to begin digging. Simply dig up 5 Fissures for 5 Small Rock Samples. Please note you will not be given any Archaeology experience for digging up the Rock Samples and during excavation, your trowel may break. If this happens, simply get a new one from the Master Archaeologist for 100 Gp.

4. Take the Rock Samples back to Archibald and he will tell you that he saw an oddly glowing fissure just north east, outside of the digsite area. He will also tell you he doesn’t think you’ll be able to get into the cavern without some sort of sharp tool that can break through rock. This, of course, is a pickaxe. Any pickaxe will suffice.

Finding the Cavern
5. With a Pickaxe and your Beginner’s Excavation Kit in hand, simply walk north east out of the digsite until you find a glowing, white fissure labeled “Strange Fissure.” Choose the option to excavate it and you will find yourself inside a stone cave with torches lining the walls.
6. Directly in the middle of the cavern is another fissure. Excavate it using your tools and you will dig up an “Odd Rock Sample.”

Tidying Up
7. Take the Odd Rock Sample back to the Master Archaeologist and he will tell you it needs to be cleaned off before you can know what’s inside. Use your brush on the Rock Sample while your chisel is in your inventory and you will clean off all the dirt and mud to reveal an “Ancient Tablet.”
8. Speak to the Master Archaeologist again to give him the Tablet. He will be so happy that he will share his knowledge of the Archaeology Skill with you, as well as give you a small reward for your efforts.

Reward:
• 276 Archaeology Experience
• Access to the Archaeology skill
• 500 Gp
Quest points gained on completion: 1
Tips, tricks & notes:
• Excavation before finishing the quest will not yield you any experience or rock samples other than the 5 you need to give to Archibald, but after the quest is finished you can begin Excavation at the Varrock or Castle Wars Digsites.


Where to Start Excavating: Until level 13 Archaeology, you won't be able to make use of anything except for the two main digsites, so to start your training, you can choose either the Varrock Digsite (slightly north of the Master Archaeologist) or the Jungle Digsite just South East of Castle Wars.





Excavation Tools - Trowels, Brushes and How to Make Them
Excavation Tools

At higher Archaeology levels, you will be able to use stronger, more efficient equipment. These will enable you to dig up and clean rock samples and fossils you normally wouldn't be able to, and also are required in order to open up entrance ways into dungeons.
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Trowels -


Used to unearth rock samples and fossils. All trowels except for the Ancient Trowel, are made by players with the appropriate Smithing and Archaeology level. The higher level the trowel you use, the faster you will be able to dig up rock samples and fossils, and the chances of getting better loot is greater. For example, you will be able to get more Large Rock Samples with the Ancient Trowel than you would with the Limestone Trowel.

Rusty Trowel - Level 1
Given to you for free by the Master Archaeologist just South of the Varrock Digsite. With this trowel, you will only be able to dig up Small Rock Samples, and the trowel has about a 10% chance of breaking during excavation.

Bone Trowel - Level 10 (Level 10 Smithing to Make)
This trowel can only be obtained through smithing, or can be bought from another player. With this trowel, you will be able to dig up Small and Medium Rock Samples. This trowel has about a 7.5% chance of breaking during excavation.

Kebbit Trowel - Level 20 (Level 20 Smithing to Make)
This trowel can only be obtained through smithing, or can be bought from another player. With this trowel, you will be able to dig up Small and Medium Rock Samples, and also will be able to find Low Leveled Fossils. This trowel has about a 5% chance of breaking during excavation.

Sandstone Trowel - Level 30 (35 Smithing to Make)
This trowel can only be obtained through smithing, or can be bought from another player. With this trowel, you will be able to dig up Small and Medium Rock Samples. Also, you will you be able to find Low and Medium Leveled Fossils. This trowel has about a 2.5% chance of breaking during excavation.

Limestone Trowel - Level 40 (Level 55 Smithing to Make)
This trowel can only be obtained through smithing, or can be bought from another player. With this trowel, you will be able to dig up Small, Medium and Large Rock Samples. Also, you will be able to find Low and Medium Leveled Fossils. This trowel never breaks.

Granite Trowel - Level 60 (Level 70 Smithing to Make)
This trowel can only be obtained through smithing, or can be bought from another player. With this trowel, you will be able to dig up Small, Medium and Large Rock Samples. Also, you will be able to find Low, Medium and High Leveled Fossils. This trowel never breaks.

Ancient Trowel - Level 70 (Level 76 Slayer to Get as a Drop)
This trowel can only be obtained as a semi-rare drop from Time Distorters in the Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern, or can be bought from another player. With this trowel, you will be able to dig up Small, Medium, Large and Giant Rock Samples. Also, you will be able to find Low, Medium, High and Rare Fossils. This trowel never breaks.
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Brushes -


Used to clean loot from rock samples. All brushes except for the Ancient Brush, are made by players with the appropriate Crafting and Archaeology level. The higher leveled the brush, the more rock samples and fossils you will be able to clean, and the less you will accidentally break the sample or fossil.

Straw Brush - Level 1
Given to you for free by the Master Archaeologist just South of the Varrock Digsite. This brush enables you to clean off small rock samples. This brush has a about a 10% of breaking your rock sample.

Unicorn Brush - Level 20 (Level 25 Crafting to Make)
This brush can only be obtained through crafting, or can be bought from another player. This brush enables you to clean off small/medium rocks samples, as well as low leveled fossils. This brush has about a 5% chance of breaking your rock sample or fossil.

Jogre Brush - Level 35 (Level 40 Crafting to Make)
This brush can only be obtained through crafting, or can be bought from another player. This brush enables you to clean off small/medium rock samples, as well as low/medium leveled fossils. This brush has about a 2.5% chance of breaking your rock sample or fossil.

Elven Brush - Level 55 (Level 70 Crafting to Make)
This brush can only be obtained through crafting, or can be bought from another player. This brush enables you to clean off small/medium/large rock samples, as well as low/medium/high leveled fossils. This brush will never break your rock samples or fossils.

Ancient Brush - Level 75 (Level 76 Slayer to Get as a Drop)
This brush can only be obtained as a semi-rare drop from Space Distorters in the Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern, or can be bought from another player. With this brush, you will be able to clean off all rock samples, including giant, and all fossils, including rare. This brush will never break your rock samples or fossils.
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Making Excavation Tools

Most Archaeology tools, minus the Ancient counterparts, can only be brought into the game by players with the appropriate levels to make them. Trowels require Smithing, while Brushes require Crafting. Each tool requires two items to make. For each trowel or brush you make, you will receive a certain amount of the appropriate exp.

Making Trowels (Smithing)

Trowels require two items to make: A bar of a certain metal (depending on which tool it is) and a secondary item (often obtained through mining). You will need to use the bar on an anvil to craft the "Trowel Head," and then use the head on an anvil while the secondary item is in your inventory. Below is a list of each item, what is required in order to make, and how much Smithing exp you will receive for making it. Please note, the Smithing experience does not include the experience you get for smelting ore into a bar.

Bone Trowel - 1 Bronze Bar, 1 Regular Bone - 26 Smithing exp (12.5 for Bar to Head, 13.5 for Attachment)

Kebbit Trowel - 1 Iron Bar, 1 Kebbit Spike - 52 Smithing exp (25 for Bar to Head, 27 for Attachment)

Sandstone Trowel - 1 Steel Bar, 1 Sandstone Block - 78 Smithing exp (37.5 for Bar to Head, 40.5 for Attachment)

Limestone Trowel - 1 Mithril Bar, 1 Limestone Block - 104 Smithing exp (50 for Bar to Head, 54 for Attachment)

Granite Trowel - 1 Adamant Bar, 1 Granite Block - 130 Smithing exp (62.5 for Bar to Head, 67.5 for Attachment)

Making Brushes (Crafting)

Brushes, like trowels, require two items to make: A log of certain tree (depending on which tool it is) and a secondary item (often obtained as a semi-common drop from a monster). To make a brush, you will to use a Knife on the log while a chisel is in your inventory to craft the "Brush Handle," and then use the handle on the secondary item. Below is a list of each item, what is required in order to make it, and how much Crafting exp you will receive for making it.

Unicorn Brush - 1 Willow Log, 1 Clump of Unicorn Hair - 50 Crafting exp (20 for Log to Handle, 30 for Attachment)

Jogre Brush - 1 Yew Log, 1 Clump of Jogre Hair - 100 Crafting exp (40 for Log to Handle, 60 for Attachment)

Elven Brush - 1 Magic Log, 1 Clump of Elf Hair - 200 Crafting exp, (80 for Log to Handle, 120 for Attachment)



Digsite Archaeology - Basic Excavation
Digsite Archaeology

The most basic of excavation takes place at digsites. There are two main digsites found in Runescape. The first is the Varrock Digsite, located just South East of Varrock. The second is the Jungle Digsite, located just South West of Castle Wars. Both digsites offer the same options for training, but loot can vary slightly between the two. Each digsite has approximately 50 fissures that respawn shortly after you excavate from them. Excavation works much like mining. You click the option to "Dig Fissure" and your character will begin to dig away at the crack in the ground until a rock sample is obtained. If more than one person is digging a fissure at the same time, only one of them will get the rock sample. Usually, this is the person with the higher Archaeology level. The higher your level in the skill, and the better your trowel, the faster you will be able to dig up a rock sample.

Once you have dug up a rock sample, you will need to chisel and clean away the dirt from the sample to obtain whatever item is inside. To do this, just simply use your brush on the rock sample while holding a chisel in your inventory. Items found in rock samples at digsites are typically worth less than those found at Special Excavation Spots, or SES's, which are scattered about the map, and are covered later on in this guide.
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Rock Samples - Main Digsites


Below is a list of the Rock Samples, what levels you need to Excavate/Clean them, and how much exp you will receive in doing so. Also, below that, is a list of potential loot you can receive from each level of sample.

Levels Needed to Excavate Rock Samples:

Small Rock Sample - Level 1+
Medium Rock Sample - Level 10+
Large Rock Sample - Level 40+
Giant Rock Sample - Level 70+

Experience for Excavating Rock Samples:

Small Rock Sample - 10 Exp
Medium Rock Sample - 25 Exp
Large Rock Sample - 75 Exp
Giant Rock Sample - 150 Exp

Levels Needed to Clean Rock Samples:

Small Rock Sample - Level 1+
Medium Rock Sample - Level 20+
Large Rock Sample - Level 55+
Giant Rock Sample - Level 75+

Experience for Cleaning Rock Samples:

Small Rock Sample - 15 Exp
Medium Rock Sample - 37.5 Exp
Large Rock Sample - 112.5 Exp
Giant Rock Sample - 225 Exp


Potential Loot from Digsite Rock Samples
Potential Loot:

Small Rock Sample - Nothing, Coins (1-100), Level 1 Clue, Pure Essence (1-10 Noted), Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (1-10), 1 Grimy Herb (Guam-Harralander), Bronze Bar, Bronze Pickaxe, Bronze Dagger, Bronze Med Helm, Bronze Bolts (1-10), Bronze Arrows (10-20), Ball of Wool, Bowl, Pot, Bucket, 1 Gem (Sapphire and Emerald), Empty Vial, Leather Coif, Gold Ring, Sapphire Ring, Emerald Ring, Potato Seeds, (1-25) Onion Seeds (1-20), Guam Seeds (1-5), Marrentil Seeds (1-4), Tarromin Seeds (1-3), Harralander Seeds (1, 2), Iron Ore, Planks (1-5 Noted), Broken Arrow, Broken Staff, Buttons, Regular Bones

Medium Rock Sample - Nothing, Coins (100-250), Level 2 Clue, Pure Essence (20-50 Noted), Body/Cosmic/Chaos Runes (5-15), 1 Grimy Herb (Ranarr-Avantoe), Steel Bar, Steel Pickaxe, Steel Dagger, Steel Med Helm, Steel Bolts (10-20), Steel Arrows (20-30), Iron Platebody, Iron Platelegs, Iron Plateskirt, Bowstring, 1 Gem (Emerald and Ruby), Cabbage Seeds (1-25), Tomato Seeds (1-20), Ranarr Seeds (1, 2), Toadflax Seeds (1-4), Irit Seeds (1-3), Avantoe Seeds (1, 2), Uncharged Orb, Emerald Ring, Ruby Ring, Coal Ore, Oak Planks (1-5 Noted), Broken Arrow, Broken Staff, Buttons, Big Bones

Large Rock Sample - Nothing, Coins (250-1,000), Level 2 Clue, Pure Essence (50-100 Noted), Nature/Law/Death Runes (5-20), 2 Grimy Herbs (Kwuarm-Lantadyme), 2 Adamant Bars, Adamant Pickaxe, Adamant Longsword, Adamant Full Helm, Adamant Bolts (20-40), Adamant Arrows (25-50), Mithril Platebody, Mithril Platelegs, Mithril Plateskirt, 2 Gems (Ruby and Diamond), Sweetcorn Seeds (5-20), Strawberry Seeds (1-15), Kwuarm Seeds (1-3), Snapdragon Seeds (1, 2), Cadantine Seeds (1-4), Lantadyme Seeds (1-3), Battlestaff, Ruby Ring, Diamond Ring, Mithril Ore, Adamantite Ore, Teak Planks (1-5 Noted), Broken Arrow, Broken Staff, Buttons, Dragon Bones

Giant Rock Sample - Nothing, Coins (1,000-5,000), Level 3 Clue, Half Key, Pure Essence (100-250 Noted), Blood/Soul Runes (10-25), 3 Grimy Herbs (Dwarf Weed and Torstol), Runite Bar, Rune Pickaxe, Rune Dagger, Rune Full Helm, Rune 2h Sword, Rune Kiteshield, Rune Bolts (10-25), Rune Arrows (20-30), Adamant Platebody, Adamant Platelegs, Adamant Plateskirt, Uncut Dragonstone, Dragonstone Ring, Watermelon Seeds (10-20), Dwarf Weed Seeds (1-5), Torstol Seeds (1-3), Air/Fire/water/Earth Battlestaff, Runite Ore, Mahogany Planks (1-5 Noted), Broken Arrow, Broken Staff, Buttons, Ancient Bones*


*Ancient Bones are new buryable bones which give 200 Prayer exp for burying, and work with Home Altars and the Ectofuntus.
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Fossils - Main Digsites


Also, during excavation, you might occasionally dig up Low, Medium, High or Rare Fossils. These will not appear as "Rock Samples," but rather as "Dirty Fossil (L/M/H/R)." The letter in the parenthesis simply tells you whether your fossil is Low Leveled, Medium Leveled, High Leveled, or Rare. You will need to clean off the fossil as you would normally clean a rock sample, and once cleaned, the fossil can be given to the Curator of the Varrock Museum for a decent sum of Prayer Exp. Please note, however, these fossils are not buryable, nor can they be used on Home Altars or the Ectofuntus.

Below is a list of the levels needed to dig up fossils, and how much exp each fossil gives.

Levels Needed to Excavate Fossils:

Dirty Fossil (L) - Level 20+
Dirty Fossil (M) - Level 30+
Dirty Fossil (H) - Level 50+
Dirty Fossil (R) - Level 70+

Experience for Excavating Fossils:

Dirty Fossil (L) - 20 Exp
Dirty Fossil (M) - 50 Exp
Dirty Fossil (H) - 150 Exp
Dirty Fossil (R) - 300 Exp

Levels Needed to Clean Fossils:

Dirty Fossil (L) - Level 20+
Dirty Fossil (M) - Level 35+
Dirty Fossil (H) - Level 55+
Dirty Fossil (R) - Level 75+

Experience for Cleaning Fossils:

Dirty Fossil (L) - 30 Exp
Dirty Fossil (M) - 75 Exp
Dirty Fossil (H) - 225 Exp
Dirty Fossil (R) - 450 Exp

Prayer Experience for Donation to Varrock Museum:

Low Leveled Fossil - 250 Prayer Exp
Medium Leveled Fossil - 500 Prayer Exp
High Leveled Fossil - 1,000 Prayer Exp
Rare Fossil - 2,500 Prayer Exp



Special Excavation Spots (SES) - The Money Makers
Special Excavation Spots (SES)

Scattered around the map are spots were you are able to excavate fissures for greater treasure than you can find at the main digsites. These are called Special Excavation Spots. While these spots contain better loot, they are in much smaller numbers, and it can be difficult to excavate them if there are multiple people attempting to at the same time. Also, typically, these spots are located in dangerous places, or places where you need certain higher levels to access. Below is a list of all the Special Excavation Spots, the levels needed to access them, how many respawns are at the spot, how long it takes for a fissure to respawn and all the potential loot you can obtain from digging there.

Also, in these spots, you are able to get all sizes of rock samples, as long as you meet the base level requirement. Keep in mind, however, that if you only have the base level needed when digging in a SES, you will most commonly get Small Rock Samples. To get the larger samples more commonly, you will need a higher Archaeology level. Furthermore, you still need the correct level to clean the rock samples. So while you may be able to get a Giant Rock Sample at Al Kharid at level 20, you will still need level 75 to clean it.

And one final thing to take into consideration is that all rock samples, no matter the size, obtained from Special Excavation Spots, are worth a set amount of exp. For example, Small through Giant Rock Samples excavated from the Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern are all worth 200 exp, while all rock samples excavated from the Al Kharid Mine are worth only 10 exp.


Kalphite Queen Lair - In the Western area of the cave, near the respawn spot of the Kalphite Queen.
Level Required - 93 Archaeology
Respawns - 1
Respawn Time - 1 Hour
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 500
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (15,000), Rune Chainbodies (2), Rune Axes (3), Fire Runes (1,000)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (20,000), Wines of Zamorak (50 Noted), Lava Battlestaff (2)
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (25,000), Rune Platebody (2), Runite Bars (20 Noted), Ancient Bones (50 Noted)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (60,000), Dragon 2h Sword, Glory Amulet (5 Noted), Blood Runes (1,000)


King Black Dragon Lair - Towards the back of the cave, near the respawn spot of the King Black Dragon.
Level Required - 86 Archaeology
Respawns - 1
Respawn Time - 45 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 300
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (10,000), Death Runes (250), Rune Arrows (200)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (15,000) Blood Runes (200), Rune Platebody, Runite Bars (5 Noted)
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (20,000), Law Runes (500), Black D'hide Body (3), 3-Dose Prayer Potions (10 Noted), Ancient Bones (25 Noted)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (50,000), Dragon Med Helm, Runite Bars (20 Noted), Death Runes (1,000), Black D'hides (100 Noted)


Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern - In the room north of the Time and Space Distorters.
Level Required - 76 Archaeology
Respawns - 1
Respawn Time - 30 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 200
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (2,500-5,000) Death Runes (100), Blood Runes (50), Soul Runes (25)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (5,000-7,500), Rune Arrows (100), Rune Scimitar
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (7,500-10,000), Rune Chainbody, Law Runes (250)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (10,000-15,000), Ancient Trowel, Ancient Brush, Blood Runes (500)


Underground Pass - In the room where you kill the Giant Spider.
Level Required - 71 Archaeology
Respawns - 1
Respawn Time - 20 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 175
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (1,000-2,500), Earth Runes (500), Blood Runes (50), 5 Adamantite Bars
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (2,500-5,000), Earth Runes (1,000), Blood Runes (100), Adamant Platebody
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (5,000-7,500), Earth Battlestaff (2), Earth Orb (5 Noted)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (7,500-10,000), Rune Longsword, Broken Iban's Staff


Isfadar Forest - In the water area just north of Tyra's Camp.
Level Required - 67 Archaeology
Respawns - 2
Respawn Time - 12 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 150
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (500-1,000), Nature Runes (25), Diamond Amulet, Ranarr Seed (1)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (1,000-2,000), Nature Runes (50), Teak Planks (20 Noted), 2 Adamant Bars
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (2,000-3,000), Nature Runes (75), Grimy Lantadyme (10), Magic Longbow
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (5,000), Nature Runes (100), Green D'Hide Body (2 Noted), Green D'Hide Chaps (2 Noted), Uncharged Seed


Lunar Island Mining Cave - Scattered around the Essence Rock.
Level Required - 63 Archaeology
Respawns - 3
Respawn Time - 10 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 125
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (100), Astral Runes (25), Pure Essence (50 Noted), Cosmic Talisman
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (250), Astral Runes (50), Pure Essence (100 Noted), Chaos Talisman
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (500), Astral Runes (100), Pure Essence (150 Noted), Nature Talisman
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (1,000), Astral Runes (250), Pure Essence (200 Noted), Death Talisman


Meiyerditch Mines - Scattered around the mines.
Level Required - 57 Archaeology
Respawns - 3
Respawn Time - 5 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 100
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Bronze Pickaxe, Iron Pickaxe, Steel Pickaxe, Coal Ore (10 Noted)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Mithril Pickaxe Coal Ore (20 Noted), Mithril Ore (5 Noted)
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Adamant Pickaxe, Coal Ore (50 Noted), Mithril Ore (10 Noted), Adamantite Ore (5 Noted)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Rune Pickaxe, Coal Ore (100 Noted), Mithril Ore (25 Noted), Adamantite Ore (10 Noted)


Kharazi Jungle - The jungle area south of Shilo Village, near the entrance to the Legend's Guild Quest Cave.
Level Required - 53 Archaeology
Respawns - 3
Respawn Time - 4 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 50
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Grimy Guam-Harralander Herbs (5), Eyes of Newt (2), Limpwurt Roots (2)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Grimy Ranarr-Avantoe Herbs (5), Red Spider Eggs (2), Snape Grass (2)
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Grimy Kwuarm-Cadantine (5), Whiteberries (2), Eyes of Newt (10), Limpwurt Roots (10)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Grimy Lantadyme-Torstol (5), Jangerberries (10), Crushed Bird's Nests (10), Wines of Zamorak (10)


Entrana Dungeon - Scattered around the Dramen Tree.
Level Required - 43 Archaeology
Respawns - 3
Respawn Time - 5 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 75
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (50), Adamant Arrowheads (25), Bowstring (10 Noted)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (100), Adamant Arrowheads (50), Bowstring (20 Noted)
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Air/Fire/Water/Earth Runes (200), Adamant Arrowheads (100), Bowstring (50 Noted)
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Nature Runes (50), Rune Arrowheads (100), Magic String


Mudskipper Point - Scattered around the land.
Level Required - 33 Archaeology
Respawns - 4
Respawn Time - 3 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 25
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (50-100), Fire Runes (20), 1 Coal Ore
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (100-200), Fire Runes (50), Steel Scimitar
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (200-500), Fire Runes (100), 2 Coal Ore, 1 Mithril Ore
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (500-1,000), Fire Runes (500), Fire Battlestaff, Rune Scimitar


Al Kharid Mine - The most North point of the Mine.
Level Required - 23 Archaeology
Respawns - 4
Respawn Time - 2 Minutes
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 10
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (50-100), Fire Runes (20), 1 Coal Ore
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (100-200), Fire Runes (50), Steel Scimitar
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (200-500), Fire Runes (100), 2 Coal Ore, 1 Mithril Ore
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (500-1,000), Fire Runes (500), Fire Staff


Draynor Mansion Grounds - Scattered around the back of the mansion's yard.
Level Required - 13 Archaeology
Respawns - 7
Respawn Time - 1 Minute
Exp Per Excavated Rock Sample - 5
Small Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (1-50), Body Runes (10), Bronze Arrows (25), Iron Arrows (20)
Medium Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (50-100), Body Runes (25), Iron Arrows (25), Belladonna Seed
Large Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (100-150), Body Runes (50), Iron Arrows (50), Bittercap Mushroom Seed
Giant Rock Sample Loot - Nothing, Coins (150-200), Body Runes (100), Iron Arrows (100), Eyes of Newt (50 Noted)



Ancient Caverns - Slayer Beasts, Plank-Making, New Fish and More
Ancient Caverns -

Another way to put your Archaeology level to use is to locate and excavate entrances into Ancient Dungeons which were previously inaccessible. Doing this requires three tools: A pickaxe, trowel and chisel. As with excavation of rock samples, the higher leveled tools you use, the faster and more efficiently you will be able to make your way into these caverns. While entrance into these areas requires a certain Archaeology level, you will not earn any exp when you excavate an entrance, and you will need to reopen the entrance every time you wish to return after you have left.

Coincidentally, each of these caverns appear to hold secrets that are skill specific. As you read through the list of possible places to adventure into, you will notice a certain convenience each one gives to a certain skill. Therefore, most of the caverns not only require a specific Archaeology level, but a secondary level requirement as well.


God Wars Altar Room - Located in the center of the God Wars Dungeon main room.
Level Required to Enter - 96 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - 90 Prayer, 60 Strength or Agility (To enter the God Wars Dungeon)
Cavern Specifics - Only the most intelligent of Archaeologists know of its existence. Deep underneath the main room of the God Wars Dungeon lies a secret that the Gods wanted to keep from the eyes and hands of the common mortal. However, if you are skilled enough to possess the incredibly high level of 96 Archaeology, you will be able to navigate your way into the God Wars Altar Room. This room, ironically is completely serene and peaceful, despite the constant bloodsport just a few dozen feet above it. It is the most holy church in all of Runescape, and the Altar at the end of the magnificent royal blue carpet proves it. The altar accepts bone offerings, just as a home altar does, but nothing is required to use it other than the levels you need to enter the room and the bones you wish to offer. Being the most pious of all altars, the God Wars Altar will grant 5 times the prayer experience for every bone used on it. For example, Dragon Bones would grant you 380 Prayer Experience, and Ancient Bones a whopping 1,000 Prayer experience. This of course, works with all bones, including ogre bones, wyvern bones and dagannoth bones. Also, as an added bonus, when restoring your prayer points at this altar, they will go 5 Points above their max. So, for example, if you have 99 Prayer and pray at this altar, you will have 104/99 Prayer Points.


Abandoned Construction Factory - Located in a cavern underneath Port Khazard.
Level Required to Enter - 92 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - 85 Construction, 95 Firemaking
Cavern Specifics - No one knows who built the factory, or when it was built, but high leveled Firemakers and Constructors will find this to be their paradise. This factory comes with a machine that enables you to cut logs into planks without having to pay gp to do so. The only problem is that the machine uses magical power to get going, so the only kind of log that will ignite its engine are Magic Logs. Luckily, for 5 Magic Logs, the machine will stay powered for either 5 Minutes or 2 Loads of Logs, whichever comes first. (2 Loads of logs meaning 2 times you use the machine.) One use of the machine will turn all unnoted logs currently in your inventory into planks. A single load of planks takes the machine approximately 1 minute to cut, so also keep that in mind. You will also receive 2,000 firemaking experience per 5 Magic Logs burned, but no construction experience for cutting the logs into planks.


Grimy Swamp Cavern - Located underneath the lighthouse north of the Barbarian Outpost.
Level Required to Enter - 84 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - 85 Farming, 90 Firemaking
Cavern Specifics - This slimey cavern has a mystical power within it that has held the secret to Farming and Herblore for centuries. Scattered about the dungeon are little plots filled with everlasting herb seeds, already soiled, planted and watered. However, due to the extreme lack of sunlight, the seeds will not grow. Do not worry, however. You will be able to make the herbs grow with the help of a Sunlight Lantern, which can be made via smithing, or bought from another player. The Lantern requires level 90 to light, however, and the herbs still will not grow if you do not have the correct farming level to grow them. However, if you possess the lantern and all correct levels to grow the herbs, they will only take 15 minutes to fully sprout, and each plot will earn you 4 of each of the herbs you grew. You should also note that though there is 1 plot for every single type of herb (Guam-Torstol), the mystical powers within the dungeon only permit you to grow 5 plots at a time. Also, these plots are player specific, meaning you and other players can grow herbs in the same plot at the same time.


Ancient Desert Grotto - Located northeast of the Agility Pyramid in the desert, just underneath the mining area.
Level Required to Enter - 77 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - 85 Mining
Cavern Specifics - This Grotto is a Rune Miner's dream. It holds two Runite rocks. Even better, however, is its supply of coal rocks. There are 16 Coal rocks scattered around the Runite rocks. A smart miner would bring a fire staff and nature runes down into the cavern with him, and mine and superheat rune bars until he can't hold anymore. Other than these rocks, though, this cavern has nothing else to offer.


Ice Path Cavern - Located at the end of the Ice Path where you fought Kamil.
Level Required to Enter - 72 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - 85 Fishing
Cavern Specifics - This is a simple cavern. The only things inside are small patch of land which stands in front of a deep, large pool of dark blue water. Within this water are once thought-to-be prehistoric Coelecanth. These ancient fish require level 85 Fishing and a barb-tailed harpoon to be caught, and level 95 Cooking to be cooked properly. Each Coelecanth is worth 150 Fishing exp and 250 Cooking exp. They are eaten in a single bite, and when eaten they not only heal you by 25 hit points, but your defense level is slightly increased. (Anywhere from 1-5 Levels, depending on your defense level.) Keep in mind, the cold icy weather on the way to the cavern will lower your skills, so unless you have a much higher fishing level than 85, it is recommended you bring a dose of restore potion with you.


Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern - Located slightly north of the exam center of the Varrock Digsite.
Level Required to Enter - 67 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - 76 Slayer, 75 Archaeology
Cavern Specifics - This cavern has two main attractions: The SES located in the north rooms, and the slayer monsters in the west and east rooms. The SES requires level 76 Archaeology to dig at, and there is only one respawn. The level 76 Slayer monsters are the Level 120 Time Distorter and the Level 127 Space Distorter. These monsters are the only monsters that drop the coveted "Ancient Trowels," and "Ancient Brushes," which are the highest forms of Archaeology tools you can own. It is also worthy to note that this is a Multi-Combat area and the monsters are aggressive. Space Distorters use a special type of range attack while the Time Distorters use a mage-based attack, and both types of monsters can (and will) hit you at the same time. If you are here to Excavate the SES, it is recommended to wear high mage defense while praying range, as the range attack hits harder than the mage attack.


Haunted Woods Grotto - Located in the middle of the Haunted Woods, east of Canfis.
Level Required to Enter - 62 Archaeology
Levels Needed to Use to Fullest Potential - Level 75 Hunter
Cavern Specifics - This is also known as the "Hunter Cavern," as the only attraction this cavern has to offer is the ability to hunt Hallows Spirits. Hallows Spirits are evil, tiny hunter creatures which hide in hollow bark trees located around the dungeon. There are 15 trees, and 5 Spirits which hide inside of them. All you need to be able to hunt them is Level 75 Hunter, Butterfly Jars and a Dark Butterfly Net, which can be made by taking a Regular Butterfly net and using it on the Death Altar. All you must do is wait until red eyes glow from within a tree and click on the tree to attempt to catch the spirit. However, should you fail or click a tree when the red eyes are not glowing, the spirit will hit you for high damage, depending on your hit points level. Hallows Spirits, when caught, are worth a whopping 600 Hunter experience points each. Hallows Jars (Jars with Hallows Spirits in them) can be thrown at an enemy for high magic damage (depending on your magic level), and sometimes will lower the opponent's prayer points upon contact.



Abilities by Level
List of Abilities by Level

The following is simply a list compiling what you are able to access at certain levels of Archaeology.

Level 1 - Use Rusty Trowel
Level 1 - Use Straw Brush
Level 1 - Excavate Small Rock Samples
Level 1 - Clean Small Rock Samples
Level 10 - Use Bone Trowel
Level 10 - Excavate Medium Rock Samples
Level 13 - SES Draynor Mansion Grounds
Level 20 - Use Kebbit Trowel
Level 20 - Use Unicorn Brush
Level 20 - Clean Medium Rock Samples
Level 20 - Excavate Low Leveled Fossils
Level 20 - Clean Low Leveled Fossils
Level 23 - SES Al Kharid Mine
Level 30 - Use Sandstone Trowel
Level 30 - Excavate Medium Leveled Fossils
Level 33 - SES Mudskipper Point
Level 35 - Use Jogre Brush
Level 35 - Clean Medium Leveled Fossils
Level 40 - Use Limestone Trowel
Level 40 - Excavate Large Rock Samples
Level 43 - SES Entrana Dungeon
Level 50 - Excavate High Leveled Fossils
Level 53 - SES Kharazi Jungle
Level 55 - Use Elven Brush
Level 55 - Clean Large Rock Samples
Level 55 - Clean High Leveled Fossils
Level 57 - SES Meiyerditch Mines
Level 60 - Use Granite Trowel
Level 62 - Access Haunted Woods Grotto
Level 63 - SES Lunar Isle Mining Cave
Level 67 - Access Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern
Level 67 - SES Isfadar Forest
Level 70 - Use Ancient Trowel
Level 70 - Excavate Giant Rock Samples
Level 70 - Excavate Rare Fossils
Level 71 - SES Underground Pass
Level 72 - Access Ice Path Cavern
Level 75 - Use Ancient Brush
Level 75 - Clean Giant Rock Samples
Level 75 - Clean Rare Fossils
Level 76 - SES Varrock Digsite Ancient Cavern
Level 77 - Access Ancient Desert Grotto
Level 84 - Access Grimy Swamp Cavern
Level 86 - SES King Black Dragon Lair
Level 92 - Access Abandoned Construction Factory
Level 93 - SES Kalphite Queen Lair
Level 96 - Access God Wars Altar Room



Final Notes, Tip and Tricks
Final Notes, Tips and Tricks

~ Always use the highest equipment you can. The better the tools you are using, the faster exp you will get and the better the loot you will find.

~ The money makers of this skill are obviously the SES's. The only drawback to using these spots is the fact that they are extremely slow to respawn and at the high levels, there is typically only 1 respawn in an SES.

~ Be extremely cautious when attempting to excavate the high leveled SES's. The Kalphite Queen and King Black Dragon Lairs are potentially fatal if you don't approach them the correct way.

~ Turn auto-retaliate off while excavating at an SES filled with aggressive monsters. If your auto-retaliate is on, you will attack the monster(s) attacking you instead of continuing to excavate the SES.

~ Use the main digsites as a way for faster experience when you want to level and don't particularly care about the loot you will receive. The fissures respawn within 30 seconds of being excavated.

~ Make use of the Ancient Caverns. They contribute to other skills, and, though they aren't as profitable as the SES's, you can usually make some decent gp out of the amenities they offer.

~ Also note, the experience and rewards you receive from larger rocks samples may seem high, but even at higher levels, you are not always guaranteed to get them. Furthermore, in the case of the Base Levels needed to excavate SES's, the ratio for larger rock samples is balanced out. For example, at level 86 Archaeology (the base level needed to excavate at the KBD SES) you will excavate mostly Small Rock Samples from the King Black Dragon SES. However, as you level, the chances for Medium, Large and Giant Rock Samples will increase. That being said, even at level 99 Archaeology, it is still very difficult to excavate a Giant Rock Sample from the KQ SES. So don't worry about the rewards being overpowered.

~ To use the Ice Path Cavern to its fullest, it is suggested you use the Trollheim teleport to get there, bring full imp boxes (level 71 Hunter) to be able to bank more Coelecanth per load, and teleport to Castle Wars to bank via a dueling ring.

~ The damage taken from failing on a Hallows Spirit is proportional to your hit points, but you can still die easily if you aren't paying attention. It is recommended you bring food with you while Spirit Hunting to prevent yourself from dying.

~ Hallows Jars (Jars with Hallows Spirits in them) require level 70 Magic to use, and can hit anywhere from 15 (Max at level 70 magic) to 25 (Max at level 99 magic). Also, about 20% of the time, the jar will lower your opponent's prayer points by 25% of the damage dealt upon contact.

~ Time Distorters (Mages) drop Ancient Trowels while Space Distorters (Rangers) drop Ancient Brushes. The area is multi-combat and you will be hit from both monsters at the same time. Also, Time Distorters have the ability to teleport around the room, while Space Distorters have the ability to teleport you around the room. So be careful when attempting to kill them. They can get very aggrivating.

~ To make a Sunlight Lantern you need 80 Smithing and Level 62 Crafting. You will need to Smith 5 Gold Bars into the Sunlight Lantern's body, place a charged fire orb into the body, and place a glass lens onto that to make the Unlit Sunlight Lantern. After that, all you need is 90 Firemaking and a tinderbox to light it. It will never extinguish.

~ There is a small chance from all Rock Samples that you will find nothing inside. In the event that this happens, you will only receive half the cleaning exp you normally would.



The Archaeology Achievement Cape
The Archaeology Achievement Cape




Once you have mastered the skill and achieved Level 99 Archaeology, head on over to the Master Archaeologist at the Varrock Digsite and buy a brand new cape for 99,000 Gp. The base colour is royal gold with light brown for the trim. When you use the cape's emote, your character will dig a large hole, jump in, and you will see him fling tons of treasure from it. Of course, that treasure disappears after your character has finished the emote.

Wikipedia describes Archaeology as "the study of human cultures through the recovery, documentation and analysis of material remains and environmental data" and Dictionary.com describes it as "the scientific study of historic or prehistoric peoples and their cultures by analysis of their artifacts, inscriptions, monuments, and other such remains, esp. those that have been excavated." Now what does this all mean? Archaeology isn't getting into a hole and finding an artifact in seconds. It takes months or even years. Many people say that this would never get into a new skill, but I beg to differ. The signifigance of Archaeology in Runescape is how it will reveal to us the many gods and even how people worshipped them. Not only this, but it will include many different rewards to entice people to go and dig those holes. What could be hidden under the ground? A temple to an unknown deity? Perhaps a sword of a fallen hero able to take out an opponent in one hit? Archaeology is luck. Luck is costly to live off of, so in Runescape, it will be more of chance. If you can find a place to dig, you WILL find something. It may range from a lowly Rusty Sword or maybe even a Bow used in the God wars. Whatever it is though, you will be contempt.

2.0 - Tools Needed

Archaeology is a very tedious and somewhat annoying skill to raise, with just chance to live off. With special equipment it will be much faster than if you were to get on the ground and start to dig with just your hands.
Red: Is used in both Small Excavations and large ones
Green: Is used in Small Excavations
Orange: Is used in Large Caves
Blue: Is used Underwater
Purple: Is used in all three


Also, Zalegt Submitted this image for Pith Helmet. Thanks!


Spade: The spade is probably the most important item to excavate with. If you do not have a spade with you, you can buy one from several Archaeology Stores across Runescape. Also you may be able to grab one from several respawn points.
Pickaxe: Like the spade, this is probably a very important item for excavation. This is more important for larger caves that can handle more force. The thing that you have to remember though, is that the cave walls are very strong. If you are not careful, you may break the pickaxe. Although Rune Pickaxes are the best for Excavating, you can use Bronze, Iron, Steel, Mithril, or Adamant. The stronger the pick, the less likely it will break.
Excavating Shovel: If you are digging for Archaeology experience, you probably won't need this, but if you are collecting rewards from the dig site, you will definitaly want this shovel. It is considerably smaller than the Spade, and can be used for more gentle places of the site. You can buy one of these at one of the several Archaeology Stoes across Runescape.
Chisel: Useful if you are going for rewards. At select sites, you may get gems stuck in the ground, and if you hit it with a pickaxe, it will break into dust. By using the Chisel to dig out the gem, you can keep it and cut it. You can buy a chisel from a Crafting Store or an Archaeology Store.
Brush: Like the chisel, it is useful if you want to search for rewards. If you find a small object, using your hands may break it. Using the brush carefully, you can dust off the object to identify it successfully. You can buy a Brush from an Archaeology Store.
Knife: Not exactly useful in many sites, it can help you out a lot when you are excavating on Karamja or Ape Atoll. Using the knife, you can cut away tall grass or vines to get a better view before you start digging away. You can buy a knife at a General Store.
Ladder: Very useful in Large Caves if you wish to get to higher spots in a cave. Also if you are planning on digging a large hole in the ground, a ladder will be used to Get out of the hole. This is PLAYER MADE. You will need to have 8 Planks and 16 Nails to make one. Also, you can leave ladders in places to reach lower levels down into the Cave.
Pith Helmet: Extremely useful in Large Caves. If you are excavating and you aren't careful, rocks may harm you. With a Pith Helmet on your head, the rocks will still do some damage, but not as much as it would if you weren't wearing one. You can buy one of these from an Archaeology Store.
Steel Poles: These are used as blockers to mark off where you are going to excavate. These are recyclable, but the more you have, the more land you can excavate at once. These are PLAYER MADE. By using a Steel Bar on an anvil, you can make one. Before excavation, you must attach Excavation Tape onto one and connecting it to others.
Excavation Tape: The last item that you need is Excavation Tape. With one roll, you can attach two steel poles together. These are stackable, so you can have as many as you want. They are bought at Archaeology Stores.
Water barrels: To be able to go underwater, you'll need these to dive under. Barrels can be bought at Archaeology Stores or player made for crafting Experience.
Diving Apparatus: Simply to stay underwater, you'll need an oxygen supply. One of these can only be obtained by doing the Pirate Pete miniquest during RFD.
Fish Bowl Helmet: Read 'Diving Apparatus'
Small Anchors To move around, you'll need to be able to fight the current. Using these you can hook onto the ground, or even reel yourself closer to the bottom. These must be made from a steel bar and attached with 'Cut Rope', explained later. These can only be shot out of a Diving Crossbow.
Diving Crossbow To be able to shoot small anchors, you must have a Diving Crossbow. These must be bought from an Archaeology Store.


3.0 - Stores

If you have successfully read up to this section, you must've read about an Archaeology Store. These will be placed on three places on the map, including west of the Digsite, North of Nardah and in the Gnome Stronghold. These will contain many different objects that you seen at the chapter above this one. You cannot excavate within Gnome Stronghold, Around Nardah and Anywhere near the Digsite. A message will appear saying that it looks like the location had already been excavated.

3.1 - Digsite Store:

This store is located just west of the Digsite, South of the Gnome Glider.
Spade: 3gp
Bronze Pickaxe: 10gp
Excavating Shovel: 100gp
Chisel: 5gp
Brush: 50gp
Pith Helmet: 5000gp
Excavation Tape: 10gp

3.2 - Nardah Store:

This store is located just north of Nardah on the Desert border.
Spade: 3gp
Bronze Pickaxe: 10gp
Excavating Shovel: 100gp
Chisel: 5gp
Brush: 50gp
Pith Helmet: 5000gp
Excavation Tape: 10gp


3.3 - Gnome Stronghold Store:

This store is located just west of the Spirit Tree in Gnome Stronghold.
Spade: 3gp
Bronze Pickaxe: 10gp
Excavating Shovel: 100gp
Chisel: 5gp
Brush: 50gp
Pith Helmet: 5000gp
Excavation Tape: 10gp
Diving Crossbow: 7000gp



4.0 - Persuading Land


Probably the most important part of Archaeology is getting the permission to dig at a specific place. To do this, you'll need a permit from the owner of the land. This will give you both Thieving and Archaeology experience if you successfully persuade the person. If you wish to excavate a piece of land that your Archaeology level is not high enough to persuade, you can split the profits of what you get. This means that when you finish excavating, the owner of the land will come to you and take the artifact to an Archaeologist at the Digsite. Once he has determined how much it is, he will give you half of the cost.
There is also another way to excavate land, but it is very risky. You may choose to excavate the dirt without permission from either the King or the owner of the land. If a guard or the owner catches you, you will not be able to excavate in that location. Example: If you choose to dig north of Champions Guild without permission, and a Varrock guard catches you, you won't be able to excavate in Misthalin for one whole hour.

Level 11: The first person that you can persuade is an average man. If you wish to excavate infront of a house, you must persuade the man first. At level 10, you will have a 25% chance of persuading the man without splitting the costs with him. Once your level increases, you'll be able to persuade more successfully. 14.5 Experience for Successfully persuading a man.
Level 17: The second person that you have the chance to persuade is a Dwarf. You can excavate all around the Ice mountain when you are given permission. Like before, at level 15 you will only have a 25% chance of persuading the dwarf without splitting the costs. 19.5 Experience for Successfully persuading a Dwarf.
Level 24: The third person that you have the choice to persuade is a Barbarian. With this man's permission, you can excavate throughout Barbarian Village. If you talk to one of the Barbarians at Barbarian Outpost, you can excavate some parts there. Most of the land is owned by the Barbarian Assault building. 25 Experience for Successfully persuading a Barbarian.
Level 32: The fourth person you have the ability to excavate is a Tree Gnome. By talking to the King there, you can excavate most of the area inside and around the Tree Gnome Village. 36.5 Experience for Successfully Persuading a Tree Gnome.
Level 41: Another person you can persuade is a Monkey. You must have finished Monkey Madness, have a gree-gree and a Monkeyspeak Amulet. Talk to any monkey there and you'll be able to excavate near it's house. 47 Experience for Successfully Persuading a Monkey.
Level 51: The sixth person you can persuade is a Store Owner. When you talk to the Store Owner, you can ask if you can excavate his land. If he agrees you'll be able to dig all around his or her shop. 79 Experience for Successfully Persuading a Store Owner.
Level 63: The seventh person you can persuade is a Guild Leader. First, you must be a member of that guild to ask the leader. When he or she says yes, you can excavate all around his or her guild and in some cases, inside. This shows up if you are excavating in the Legend's garden, Champions Chicken Coop, or the Crafting Guild. 121 Experience for Successfully Persuading a Guild Leader.
Level 75: Finally, at level 75 you will be able to ask a King or Queen. If you successfully ask the King, you can excavate ANYWHERE in his kingdom. Persuading a king is extremely hard since the percentage of Persuasion does not rise any higher than 50%. 213.5 Experience for Successfully persuading a King or Queen.

All of these Persuasions can be made easier with a Ring of Charos. If you wear a Ring of Charos, the percentage rises by 20% and will be easier than without one.


5.0 - Excavating Small Sites

As you start your long journey to 99 Archaeology (Or whatever level that you want) the first place you'll need to start is Excavating Small Sites. This may not sound like much, but it gets more fun once you get up to higher levels. When you first start this skill, make sure you have a Spade, Pickaxe, Excavating Shovel, Chisel, a Knife, lengths of Excavation Tape and some Steel Poles. This may sound like a lot of stuff, but it isn't when you start. You can start excavating without an Excavating Shovel, Chisel, and a Knife, but if you want good rewards, it is very helpful.

5.1 - Marking off Sites

Once you have all seven items (or 4 if you got rid of some unnessicary items) you need to start out by getting a permit to excavate from either the land owner or King. At level 1, you will have to split profits with him or her, but if you want to gain levels, this is the only way. Once you have the permission you want to mark off your territory. For this you'll need the Steel Poles and Excavating tape.

Level 1: 2x2 squares of Excavation land (25 Experience)
Level 5: 3x3 squares (35.5 Experience)
Level 11: 4x4 squares (73 Experience)
Level 23: 5x5 (93 Experience)
Level 35: 6x6 (137 Experience)
Level 47: 7x7 (169 Experience)
Level 59: 8x8 (214 Experience)
Level 71: 9x9 (402 Experience)
Level 83: 10x10 (721 Experience)

Use one of the Excavating Tape on the Steel Pole. A message will appear saying "How many squares would you like to make?" Click continue. A menu will show, presenting a list of the combinations you can make. Click on one, and an item named "Territory Marks 2x2" Right click and select "set" and your character will start to automatically make a small square with 4 sections in it.

5.2 - Digging

Now that you have your territory marked off, select "Dig" on your spade. Your character will start to dig away dirt until it is half a character hieght lower than all the other parts. Continue to dig down until you've done all sections. If you try to dig any futher, a message will appear saying "If you dig any further down, you'll need a ladder to get out!". This message will continue to come up until you have a ladder in your inventory. You can only dig down four levels, making the hieght twice yours. The camera will ajust, and show you like if you were stuck in an Elf Leaf Trap, showing just the hole until you climb out.

Level 1: 1 Level down (50 Experience)
Level 16: 2 Levels down (125 Experience)
Level 24: 3 Levels down (210 Experience)
Level 32: 4 Levels down (290 Experience)

5.3 - Rewards

There are countless things that you may be able to find. One of them are gem stones. Some gems may be hidden in the ground, and with a chisel, you can excavate using a Chisel. The gems will appear as a small color in the wall (Example: Blue would be Sapphire). In your inventory, you will get "Unknown Gem" and will be colored brown with dirt. To identify this gem, you can take it to an Archaeologist at the Digsite or you can use a Brush on it. It will then be turned into an Uncut gem. This will give you Both Crafting and Archaeology Experience. There IS a chance of failing identifying the gem. If you do fail, you will get "Gem Dust" instead of an Uncut Gem.

Level 8: A Sapphire (200 Experience and 100 Crafting Experience)
Level 26: An Emerald (550 Experience and 250 Crafting Experience)
Level 42: A Ruby (760 Experience and 360 Crafting Experience)
Level 58: A Diamond (1200 Experience and 500 Crafting Experience)


As well as gems you can find, Various junk. These will not automatically fall into your inventory, they will fall on the ground where you can pick them up or leave them as they be. There is no level needed for these things and give 50 Experience every time you find one.

Level 1: Broken Arrow (25 Experience)
Broken Staff (25 Experience)
Broken Armor (25 Experience)
Broken Glass (25 Experience)

Another group of things that you may get is either Silver or Gold. These will be easily seen at the bottom of the hole. To excavate them, you need to get them out using a chisel. These can range from Bars to Money.

Level 7: Gold Pieces (75 Experience)
Level 12: Silver Ore (100 Experience)
Level 19: Silver Bar (125 Experience)
Level 28: Gold Ore (150 Experience)
Level 39: Gold Bar (175 Experience)

The next is like the Tai Bwo Wannai minigame. Once you dig down you may notice a streak across the hole. First you must identify what kind of Ore seaping out of the Wall is. If you use your Pickaxe on that Wall, you can mine up to 5 of that kind of ore, provided you have that mining level.

Level 17: Identify Copper Vein (200 Experience and 150 Mining Experience)
Identify Tin Vein (200 Experience and 150 Mining Experience)
Level 31: Identify Iron Vein (350 Experience and 300 Mining Experience)
Level 45: Identify Coal Vein (470 Experience and 420 Mining Experience)
Level 56: Identify Mithril Vein (560 Experience and 510 Mining Experience)
Level 71: Identify Adament Vein (730 Experience and 680 Mining Experience)
Level 92: Identify Rune Vein (1410 Experience and 1360 Mining Experience)

Lastly, you may find Treasure Map. These are like buried treasure, but all of them are Coordinates. That means to solve them, you need a Sextant, watch and chart. Once you find the coordinates, you must dig there using Archaeology. It will be located near the bottom three or four levels. Once found, a Casket will enter your inventory. There is a lock on the front of it and must be solved. It is a simple lock and is similar to the Pillary Lock. Once solved, open it and you'll get a reward. All Casket rewards are Level 2 Clues.
To solve these, you'll need at least a 24 Archaeology Level.


6.0 - Excavating Large Caves


Now that you've mastered Excavating Small Sites, you can move onto Larger Caves. You can only start when your Level rises to 45. For this you need to get permission from the King or Queen of that location. This moves onto a more agressive side. As you creep down the Cave, creatures may be hiding, and if you uncover them, they may attack.

6.1 - Locations
The problem with Excavating Large Caves is that there are only three of them. They are scattered across the Runescape world and are very unstable.

Desert Caves:
The first cave that you can enter is located in the Desert. From the Desert Mining Camp, there is a hole in the ground, similar to the Kalphite dungeon. Outside will be an archaeologist wearing all white willing to talk to you if you have the required Archaeology Level.

Archaeologist: Why hello, sir/ma'am! Its a pleasure to meet someone out in this desert.
You: Who are you?
Archaeologist: Me? Why I am an Archaeologist from the Digsite to the north. I was sent to excavate the desert, but I'm having a bit of trouble...
You: 1. What's wrong?
2. Thats you're problem (Ends conversation)
Archaeologist: I just dug down into the ground but my Pickaxe and Spade broke when I tried to go further! I would go out to get another set, but I'm afraid I'll lose my position.
You: Maybe I can help?
Archaeologist: Would you? That would be so kind! All I need is a new Pickaxe, spade and some Supports.
You: Supports?
Archaeologist: They are made of Wood and help keep tunnels up so they don't collapse. Just cut some from a Log with a knife. Can you get me those?
You: Sure thing! (Ends Conversation)

Once you get a log, use a knife on it to get 6 Supports. Go back into the desert with a Pickaxe and a Spade. When you reach the Archaeologist, give the materials to him and he will lead you into the Cave.

Ape Atoll Caves:
The Second cave you can start to excavate is on Ape Atoll. Once through the Monkey Gate, go directly north and there will be a hole with a monkey near it. You must have a gree-gree and Amulet of Monkeyspeak on to talk to him. You'll need 60 Archaeology Level to help him out

Monkey Engineer: Ook Ook!
You: Hmm? Why isn't this working... Monkey, speak normal!
Monkey Engineer: Ook? Wait, where did you come from? I've never seen you!
You: Well, I'm from Karamja and I see you are in a Digging Predicament. Can I help you?
Monkey Engineer: Well....You seem like you know a lot about Digging.... I'm trying to dig a hole to the Dungeon south of here, but I keep getting hit by Gnome Magic!
You: Err...Gnomes? They aren't supposed to be here!
Monkey Engineer: Will you help me?
You: Uhh...Sure! What do you need?
Monkey Engineer: Some kind of Magic Shield to Block their attacks.
You: I'll get right on it!

To get a Magic Shield, you'll need 3 Steel Bars, 3 Diamonds, 10 Earth Runes, 1 Cosmic Runes, 57 Magic, and 42 Smithing. Craft a Steel Kite on an anvil and go to a Furnace. Use the Kite on the Furnace with 3 Diamonds in your inventory. You'll get an "Unenchanted Shield". Enchant the shield using Level 4 Diamond Enchant. Once you have that, go to Ape Atoll Again. Give the shield to the Monkey Engineer and he'll lead you into his cave.

Relleka Caves:
The third and final Cave that you'll be able to make is in Relleka. South of the Town, before the bridge will be a hole and a Fremennik will be standing near it. You must have finished "Fremennik Trails" to talk to him. You need 75 Archaeology Level to own this cave

Fremennik Digger: Ugh...
You: What's wrong?
Fremennik Digger: I've been trying to dig a cave up to the Slayer Cave but a metal wall is blocking my way!
You: A Metal wall?
Fremennik Digger: Yes! I need to get rid of it but I don't know how!
You: Hmm...Perhaps I could melt it?
Fremennik Digger: That is a great Idea! But how?
You: Magic. I'll need a Nature Rune and 4 Fire Runes.

Bring back a Nature Rune and Four Fire Runes. The Fremennik will take you down to the metal wall. Cast "Superheat Item" on the wall and it will melt away revealing a Cart Track leading North. The Cave is now yours.

6.2 - Openning up Passageways

The only way to make your cave bigger is to remove stone to reveal more rooms. To do this you'll need a Pith Helmet, Pickaxe, a Ladder, and Supports. One you're inside a cave, you can mine on one of the empty walls. Also, you can dig with a spade in the middle of the room, and place a ladder so that you can climb back up.

One you open up a wall, you want to place 3 Supports on both walls. Once inside the room, you'll find some kind of land mark or Skill raising device. You can only have TWENTY rooms at once and the cave can only go THREE spaces down if you are using Ladders.

Supports are not needed, but if you wish to branch out from a room without supports, it will 75% chance collapse, leaving you with low Hitpoints.

Every Room you discover, you will get 1500 Experience. 500 more for placing Supports.

6.3 - Cave Contents

Now I bet you're thinking 'Well, if I own a cave, why would I need one?'. For every room you discover, you might find skill raising places such as Mining spots. These are the kind you can find:

Mining
If you break into a chasm, you'll find various rocks on the ground as well as 3 Viens on the wall. The kind of ore these contain are Copper, Tin, Iron, Coal, Mithril, Adament or Rune. The only drawback is that the respawn time is 1/3rd times slower than any other rock.

Prayer
If you break into a grave, you'll find several coffins laying scattered in the room. When you open them (Using Thieving) they will have bones in them. Also, the coffins can be taken to store 5 more bones than normal (Example: When you are training at Metal Dragons, when they drop bones you can fit 5 Dragon Bones into one space). This room will start to shake after you loot all the graves. The ground will fall away into an Alter (depending on which place you are at).

Runecrafting
If you break into an Essence chamber, there will be a small rock of essence at the end of the room. This is like any other rock and will constantly give you essence, but at 1/2 slower.

Firemaking/Cooking
If you break into a Log chamber, there will be a log pile. You can constantly stack wood there and light them whenever you need to cook food or just raise Firemaking.

Farming
If you break into a Fertile Patch, there will be a small square at the head of the room. If you use 5 Planks on it, it will create a Mushroom Patch, which gives 1/4 more Mushrooms than normal.

Fishing
If you break into a Cave Spring, you will see most of the Cave filled with water. If you fish with a Fishing Rod, you can constantly catch Cave Eels.

Smithing
If you break into a Volcano Smith, there will be a large Volcano Vent, used to smelt ore.

Thieving
If you break into a Treasure Chasm, There will be a lot of Pots (Like Pyramid Plunder) and one gold chest in the center. If you open the chest you will get the ultimate Reward (changes from place to place). Once it is looted, the room will collapse, Leaving you with your reward. The Treasure Chasm is EXTREMELY RARE to get while excavating the cave.

Once the Cave is fully excavated, you can destroy rooms and search them again (If you have already gotten a Treasure Chasm, it won't appear ever again).

6.4 - Rewards

The ultimate Rewards are located in the Treasure Chasm. Once you open the chest you'll get your reward, and the room will fall apart. The rewards are nontradeable and can only be destroyed. If you die with a reward, you can retreive it from the Archaeologist outside the respective cave for 99k.

Cleaver of the Kalphites

The Cleaver of the Kalphites is found in the Desert cave. It is simply a wide sword used for slashing attacks. On its edge is Kalphite poison, which deals 8 in poison. It has no special attack and is the same speed as the Cleaver from Recipe for Disaster.

The Cleaver's stats are:

Attack
Stab +7
Slash +45
Crush -5
Magic 0
Range 0

Defence
Stab 0
Slash +1
Crush 0
Magic 0
Range 0

Other
Strength +40
Prayer 0

Gloves of the Guardians

The Glove of the Guardians are found in the Ape Atoll. They are simple claws that go across the knuckles. They increase the strength of regular punching and are also stabbing weapons. The Gloves have no Special Attack.

Attack
Stab +35
Slash 0
Crush +20
Magic -5
Range 0

Defence
Stab +8
Slash +6
Crush +7
Magic -2
Range +2

Other
Strength +12
Prayer 0

Bow of Elements

The Bow of Elements is found in the Relleka cave. It is a bow with 3 special attacks (Using the elements) that take up the whole bar. The first special attack is 'Freeze Shot'. It freezes the enemy (Like the magic) for 3 seconds, but does no damage. The second is 'Fire Burst' which increases the strength of an arrow by 1/2 when it attacks players in Armor. The third is 'Lightning Strike' which sends a Lightning Strike that decreases the opponent's Accuracy.

There is only 1 bar for all three, and will be drained after an attack has been used. It gives +50 to Range attack and you need 65 Range to wield this item.


7.0 - Underwater Excavation


As you know, most of the Earth is covered with water. I don't think it could be any different with the Runescape world. Now, without our fancy scuba suits in Runescape, you would need to make something a bit makeshift. Something that might last you two or three trips underwater.

7.1 - Getting the Equipment needed

As you read up top about the different equipment you may need, there are four items that are essential to diving, plus two more that you will get no where without. The first is a Spade. The spade is used to dig down underwater, but can only use when you are anchored down to the ground. These can be obtained in any Archaeology Store as well as many respawns. Another would be the Pickaxe. These can be used for breaking into caverns in the wall to get further underwater.

Third is the water barrels. These barrels are discarded after every dive, so it is a good idea to make a surplus if you wish to go down many times. To make these, you need 6 planks, 1 rope, 1 knife and Swamp Paste. Use the swamp paste on the planks and you will get an 'Unstable Barrel'. You should still have 1 plank and 1 rope left. Use the rope on the unstable to get a 'Lidless Barrel'. Use the knife on the last plank to get a Barrel Lid. Now use the barrel on any fishing spot to get a 'Water Barrel'. Before you go under, you must use the lid on the lidless barrel.

Fourth would be the Diving Apparatus. To be able to get down far enough, you need an oxygen supply. The supply amount will be seen at the top left corner, showing how much time you have left of diving. To get more time, you need to enhance your Apparatus. To do this, you must adjust it with Swamp Paste, Rope and many planks. Attach the planks and you will get an 'Enhanced Apparatus'. But, if you want even MORE time, you can make an 'Oak Apparatus' to 'Magic Apparatus'. Although, you will need a higher Crafting and Archaeology Level. The fifth would have to be the Fish Bowl Helmet. Nothing different here. You need to get this while doing the Pirate Pete miniquest for Recipe For Disaster. You MUST have one of these on at all times, or else you will automatically float to the top.

Sixth would be the Small Anchors. You have to have these to get down far. Once you get in range, you can aim your Diving Crossbow to a spot and shoot an anchor. Then you may climb down the rope to the ground and start to dig. Also, you can use them to climb yourself foreward if you find a current. To make these, you will need 1 steel bar, 1 knife, 1 hammer, and 1 rope. Use the knife on the rope and you'll get 10 length of 'Cut Rope'. Now get to an anvil and use the steel bar on it with a hammer in your inventory. Select Anchors and you'll get 10 Small Anchors (u). Now use the Cut Rope on the Small Anchors (u) to get regular Small Anchors. Now you can Equip them into the Arrow Spot.

Finally would be the Diving Crossbow. The only place you can get these are at an Archaeology Store. They are equipted like any other crossbow, but can only be loaded with Small Anchors. They cannot be used in combat, only underwater. On the 'Crossing Swords' menu there will be a button 'aim' that will allow you to aim where you want to shoot the Anchors. Other than that, there is no other use for this crossbow.

7.2 - Coming Soon


8.0 - Insight into the Gods


As well as the rewards that are above, you may find some other information about the past. By this information, I mean we will learn more about Seren and Zaros as well as their many powers. Perhaps a new item ensues your journey for information.

8.1 - Seren

An unknown goddess waits your exploration. To find her special ruins, you must first have complete Mournings End Part 2. The ruins are located inside the Temple of Light. Once you navigate your way through the maze of light, you will see a small crack north of the Death Alter. If you start to 'investigate' the crack it will break leading you into a small room with a tall ladder leading back up. A similar crack runs down the western wall which needs to be broken with a pickaxe. Once you have a pickaxe, use it on the crack and you'll enter a long dungeon. At the end will be one single 'Crystal Rock' and a large door made of crystal. If you try to open it, you'll be dealt 10 damage.

The Crystal Rock will have a 'Mine' option that if you click you will get a piece of Crystal. In only seconds, a message will appear in your Chat Box saying 'You have tainted my body, young Human. You will pay the price in time.' The Crystal will turn to a dull black.

To take this Crystal one step further, you must get to the Seren Altar at the Upstairs Lletya. Use the Crystal on the altar and a silver book will appear on the floor. Once you pick it up it will be named 'Damaged Crystal Book'. By picking this up, you'll unlock the chance of getting Crystal Pages from Treasure Trails.

Once you get all four of the pages, use them on the Damaged Book and you will get the 'Book of Seren'. When it is equipted, press 'Operate' and a white swirl will appear above your head, and 1/4 of your Special Attack bar will disappear. If you talk to any Elf Shop owner, they will instantly give you a 50% discount with the awe of crystal. This includes the enchanting of Crystal Shields and Bows. Also, with the Book, you can enchant a Crystal Saw without using the Bowl.

This effect does not affect humans or any other species, just elf.

8.2 - Zaros

The second ruin that you will be able to find is of the god Zaros. These ruins are found underneath the Desert Treasure Pyramid. Of course, you need to have completed Desert Treasure and Legend's Quest to access these. Once on the bottom floor of the Pyramid, there will be a crack behind the altar, like in the Temple of Light. You will need to 'Investigate' the crack to fall into the ruins. Once there, you will be in a long shaft with a crack at the bottom. You'll need to dig with a spade to fall down into the main chamber. Once inside, there will be stairs up to a Throne and bones laying everwhere.

If you approach the throne, a message will appear in your chat box saying 'Begon, Not of the Zaros Spectres'. Instantly, your character will leave the chamber and will say to himself 'It seems like my Bravery just disappeared! It seems like some ghosts are down there.... Maybe I need a Ghostspeak Amulet and Ring of Visability....' and your character won't enter the chamber again until you get some 'Bravery' Up. This means you'll have to create another Bravery Potion. You'll mave to have a Adrigal and a Snake Weed herb and mix them in a Water Filled vial.

Enter the Chamber again with a Ghostspeak Amulet and Ring of Visability. You'll instantly see a man sitting on the throne this time. He will say the following:

Zaros Spectre: Begon, Not of the Zaros Spectres!
You: I am a humble servant of Zaros. I still live, but my loyalty lasts.
Zaros Spectre: You still stand before me. Why have you not left?
You: I do not fear my fellow allies.
Zaros Spectre: Then why are you here, Zaros Follower?
You:
1. I have found this place by accident.
2. Zaros has told me to search under your Pyramid.
Zaros Spectre:
1. Accidently? Bah! If you were not sent here, then you are not supposed to be here! Begon! (Ends Conversation)
2. By Zaros himself? Such a messenger has been prophicized. Zaros told us to give you this for such a messiah...

The Spectre will give you a Damaged Book in the color of Purple. This is the book of Zaros. By owning this, you can get Zaros Pages from Treasure Trails. Once you have completed the book a power will be unleashed.

Once you choose 'Operate' A dark swirl will appear and the next Undead monster you click will be harnessed by you. This means that you can control this one Undead monster for 3 minutes before the power runs out. You can send it to attack other Monsters or Players. The Special Bar will be drained all the way. To harness the Undead monster, you must have Double it's level in Magic and Prayer. (Example: If you wanted to harness a level 19 Ghost, you must have 38 Magic and Prayer)


8.0 - Level 99


Now that the 99 Skill capes have come out, I suppose I must post the cape as well. The Cape is the same as any other skill Cape in stats:

Attack
Stab 0
Slash 0
Crush 0
Magic 0
Range 0

Defence
Stab +9
Slash +9
Crush +9
Magic +9
Range +9

Other
Strength 0
Prayer 0

And if the cape is trimmed, it will be +4 Prayer like the other capes. It is light tan and its trim is red. On the back, the symbol is a Spade, like the skill picture.

The emote is very long. Your character steps back a bit and starts to dig with a spade until he is all the way down into the earth. He jumps out Holding a large golden chest. The chest disappears and the hole does too.


9.0 - Credits


To be honest, I can't name how many people have suggested this. I've seen it on the Runescape Forums as "Archaeology" but I've never seen an indepth suggestion for it. Just some ideas here and there. So, only to be fair, I think this guide is as much mine as anyone else who thought of this idea.

Seriously i think you guys put a bit too much thought into it... I dont think Archeology is the best way to go...as the whole treasure hunting nature of it isnt what Archeology is all about... you migth aswell call it "The Indiana Jones skill" or something. I would really rather they got some new smithing or decent mining updates but hey thats just my opinion.

PS the first long guide was just copied off of the Link to teh Tip it Forum earlier.

shop running? you get your own shop and buy stock and then sell on in a attempt to make a profit and for leveling you could say at lvl 1 buy and sell bronze daggers and at 99 phats and such wat you think? its a way to make money after the horror updates....