Revealing early villages – Pseudo‐3D ERT geophysical survey at the pre‐pottery Neolithic site of Kharaysin, Jordan

Abstract

AbstractElectric resistivity tomography (ERT) prospection conducted at the Pre‐Pottery Neolithic site at Kharaysin, Jordan, building on previous surface prospection and excavation, found a number of new sub‐surface anomalies. Subsequent excavations determined that the anomalies corresponded with the stone walls of habitation structures and possibly terrace walls. These features covered large areas of the site slope, inclusive of clustered settlement structures and frequent building superpositions indicative of multi‐phase occupation. Despite the generally arid conditions, the moist soil matrix allowed for the effective use of ERT. This article presents the integrated data of the archaeological excavation and the geophysical survey. As a test case it proves the utility of ERT in the identification of Pre‐Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) and Pre‐Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) sub‐surface anthropogenic features.