Like an archaeological excavation (3)
I believe the answer is:
dig
I believe this is a double definition.
'like' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in other clues)
'an archaeological excavation' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for dig that I've seen before include "what archaeologists do" , "Delve" , "'Between my finger and my thumb / the squat pen rests / I'll ... with it' (Seamus Heaney)" , "Loosen, or remove earth" , "Excavate - enjoy" .)