Abstract
In the framework of the IH-AT (Invisible Heritage Analysis and Technology) project, a cluster of churches ranging from the 11th to the 16th centuries, located in the Troodos Mountain range of Cyprus, designated by UNESCO as World Heritage monuments, were investigated using Non-Destructive-Techniques (NDT) (geophysical and topographic survey), 3D modelling and visualisation methods, contextualised and interpreted by art-historical and archaeological research. A geophysical survey, performed using a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), specifically aimed to confirm the presence or absence of buried features of archaeological interest at each of these sites, in particular, evidence of monastic complexes and buildings that used to surround preserved churches. This paper describes the preliminary results of this survey and some initial interpretations concerning what new information can be discerned about the now lost monastery complexes, in advance of future excavation.
Highlights
In 1985, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UN-ESCO) inscribed the “Painted Churches in the Troodos Region” of the Republic of Cyprus on the World Heritage List
The Ground Penetrating Radar surveys of the former Byzantine monasteries and associated churches were undertaken at five separate locations in the mountainous region of Troodos
Each site location differed in site topography, surface features, The Ground Penetrating Radar surveys of the former Byzantine monasteries and2a6s5sociated churches were undertaken at five separate locations in the mountainous region of Troodos
Summary
In 1985, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UN-. ESCO) inscribed the “Painted Churches in the Troodos Region” of the Republic of Cyprus on the World Heritage List. With dates ranging from the eleventh through the sixteenth century, the ten chapels included in the UNESCO monument preserve rich wall-painting decorative programs which stand out for their high quality and style [2,3] They mirror artistic developments and influences that help to shed light onto the routes of communication and the related cultural interconnections across the Eastern Mediterranean. There was known to be significant moisture content due to the presence of clay This issue was compounded by the lower-than-average rainfall experienced throughout Cyprus during the preceding months of 2020 [13]. A preliminary site visit and indications from the desk-based assessment phase of the project suggested that the archaeological remains sought most likely existed at depths of less than 4 m This led to the use of a Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. Prior to the GPR work being undertaken, movable surface obstacles (such as large rocks) were removed to enable greater survey coverage
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