In many cases, the evidence is so skimpy that they have to make up background stories to make it worthwhile for them to continue to work. It is sobering to think how nature works to smother evidence of human life. Still there is some trace, whereas animals generally leave only their bones.
Human nature I guess. I don’t doubt I’d do much the same in similar circumstances.
Archeology is fascinating. I just always end up wondering how much of it is real, how much made up.