Recovering the urban network of ancient Sikyon through multi-component geophysical approaches

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April 2007. Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10. Bonn 2008, pp. 11-16

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Abstract

A suite of different geophysical techniques was applied in the course of multidisciplinary research conducted within the framework of the Sikyon survey project, whose goal is the study of the landscape and human activity on the plateau of ancient Sikyon (NE Peloponnese). During the first 3 years of the geophysical campaign, more than 60,000 m2 of the city centre were covered using magnetic measurements,electrical resistivity mapping and tomography techniques, and ground penetrating radar. Controlled experiments covering large sections of the site using different methods and instrumentation allowed the evaluation of these methods’ effectiveness in detecting and mapping the subsurface targets and improved representation of the lateral and stratigraphic extent of the architectural remnants. Already a number of architectural features and even whole structures have been identified and mapped, starting to reveal the urban network of the ancient city and its diachronic phases.