Application of magnetic and spectrometry methods in the detection of human activity in soils: a case study at the archaeological site of Kitros (Northern Greece)

Abstract

AbstractIn the present study the archaeological site of (Louloudies–Kitros) (northern Greece) is investigated by the use of magnetic and spectrometry geophysical methods. Soil samples were collected from several trenches within the archaeological site, as well as from radial traverses around kilns, which were used for glass production. Moreover, samples were collected from a long traverse, starting from the middle of the archaeological site and extending outside the site, in order to identify the limits of the settlement.Measurements were successful in identifying the different occupation levels and the boundaries of the archaeological site. High values of magnetic susceptibility and iron oxide content correlated well with the periods of intense human activity. Around the kilns, the mean values of the magnetic susceptibility indicated the effect of the fire mechanism in the surrounding area and gave some first evidence concerning the use of the kilns. Comparison of the magnetic and chemical properties of the anthropogenic soils suggests that their enhancement may be used as an index for locating areas and features of archaeological interest.Additionally, archaeomagnetic data have been obtained from a pottery and a glass kiln of the site. The magnetic directions (D = 355°, I = 62°, a95 = 3.6 and D = 356°, I = 51°, a95 = 2.3) were correlated to the reference curves compiled for Bulgaria and showed a satisfactory consistency for the declination, but the inclination values of the recorded magnetic field were divergent by about 10°. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.