Geophysical and Related Techniques Applied to Archaeological Survey in the Mediterranean: A Review

Authors

  • Apostolos Sarris Institute for Mediterranean Studies
  • Richard Jones Glasgow University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jmea.v13i1.29907

Keywords:

geophysical survey, geochemical methods, geophysical techniques, Greece

Abstract

During the last few years geophysical survey has developed considerably in terms of instrumentation and image processing. Together with remote sensing and GIS, it is becoming increasingly, if still slowly, integrated into archaeological investigations in the Mediterranean. This article reviews how, and with what success, geophysical techniques - and, to a lesser extent, geochemical methods, aerial/satellite remote sensing and GIS - have been applied to Mediterranean (especially Greek) archaeology, bearing in mind the environmental constraints of the region, and the significance, diversity and number of its ancient monuments. The application of all the main techniques of geophysical survey and some geochemical methods to a wide range of archaeological targets carried out over the last 40 years is discussed critically. Current developments in instrumentation and data processing are presented, and the next generation of geophysical work, which will have to meet challenges in relation to the protection and management of cultural resources, is also considered. In view of the need to create a common platform for the preservation of cultural heritage, it is argues that geophysical prospection techniques have to become an inseparable component of the archaeological investigation process.

Author Biographies

  • Apostolos Sarris, Institute for Mediterranean Studies
    Apostolos Sarris is responsible for the Laboratory of Geophysical-Satellite Remote Sensing and Archaeo-environment of the Institute for Mediterranean Studies/Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas (F.O.R.T.H). Since 1990 he has participated in more than 40 geophysical prospection surveys and satellite remote sensing/GIS projects in Greece, Cyprus, Albania and the USA. He is vice-president of the European section of the Archaeological Remote Sensing Consortium and Associate Editor of the SAS Bulletin. He has taught at the University of Crete, the Hellenic Air Force Academy, and the European division of the University of Maryland.
  • Richard Jones, Glasgow University
    Richard Jones was Director of the Fitch Laboratory at the British School at Athens for many years until he moved in 1992 to the Department of Archaeology at Glasgow University where he is now Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Science. Although his main research interests have been (and remains) in archaeological materials, especially pottery, he has been involved in a range of field-projects in Greece using geophysical survey, most recently at Xerxes' Canal in northern Greece.

Published

2000-08-01

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sarris, A., & Jones, R. (2000). Geophysical and Related Techniques Applied to Archaeological Survey in the Mediterranean: A Review. Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology, 13(1), 3-75. https://doi.org/10.1558/jmea.v13i1.29907