An early Byzantine ecclesiastical complex at Ashdod-Yam: correlating geophysical prospection with excavated remains

In this study we show the successful deployment of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) together with Electrical Resistivity Surveys (ERS) in guiding the archeological excavations at Ashdod-Yam (southern coast of Israel). This approach enabled the precise identification of excavation targets relating to a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science and technology of archaeological research 2024-12, Vol.10 (1)
Main Authors: Darvasi, Yaniv, Fantalkin, Alexander, Brindza, Paul, Agnon, Amotz
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Archaeology
Byzantine
Coasts
Earth science
Electrical resistivity
Excavation control
Geophysical techniques
GPR
Ground-truth
Iron Age
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Summary:In this study we show the successful deployment of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) together with Electrical Resistivity Surveys (ERS) in guiding the archeological excavations at Ashdod-Yam (southern coast of Israel). This approach enabled the precise identification of excavation targets relating to an Early Byzantine ecclesiastical complex located in a residential neighborhood of the modern city of Ashdod. Applied over the course of five years, the combined use of GPR and ERS, interspersed with phases of archeological excavation, not only facilitated an efficient exploration but also ensured the preservation of valuable historical structures. The geophysical data, corroborated by drone images of the post-excavation site, revealed a striking correlation between excavation and non-intrusive survey data. This study not only charts a successful excavation journey but serves as a methodological blueprint for future archeological explorations. The techniques and strategies detailed here have broader implications for the preservation and public presentation of historical sites.
ISSN:2054-8923
2054-8923
DOI:10.1080/20548923.2024.2360337