Non-Destructive Methods in Field Archaeology in Lithuania: The First Results of a German-Lithuanian Project

Abstract

Since 2010, several archaeological sites in Lithuania have been geomagnetically surveyed, as part of a German-Lithuanian cooperation project. Within the framework of this cooperation, the Ėgliskiai/Anduliai cemetery, the Taurapilis barrow site, Taurapilis and Opstainiai/Vilkyskiai (outer settlements), and Jakai/Sudmantai (the enclosure) have been investigated. In almost all the sites, features and structures were detected that enable us to make some initial statements about the structure and dimensions of the archaeological monuments. For some sites, the surveys also provided very precise and hitherto unknown information about the context of the settlement. These new results show clearly the potential of non-invasive, especially geomagnetic, methods for archaeological purposes. However, it should be admitted that only a combination of several methods and tools enables a maximum level of knowledge and information on the scientific value and potential of archaeological sites and landscapes. The task for the coming years must therefore focus on the application and combination of further non-invasive geophysical (ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity) and remote sensing methods in archaeological surveys. Key words: geomagnetic investigations, Lithuania, archaeological sites, German-Lithuanian cooperation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15181/ ab.v1i0.1138