Ancient Structures Research Articles

The Metallicity Variations Along the Chromosome Maps: The Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae* *Based on observations collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere under ESO program 105.20NB, and on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by AURA, Inc., under NASA contract NAS 5-26555.

The “chromosome maps” (ChMs) of globular clusters (GCs) have revealed that these ancient structures are inhomogeneous in metallicity in various ways and in different natures. Type II GCs generally display larger variations, sometimes coupled with slow neutron-capture (s) element enrichments on the ChMs redder sequences, which have been interpreted as due to multiple generations of stars. On the other hand, most GCs have inhomogeneous first populations (1P) in the form of large ranges in the ΔF275W,F814W values, pointing toward a not fully mixed pristine molecular cloud. We analyze the chemical composition of GC 47 Tucanae, which shows both inhomogeneous 1P stars and, although not formally a Type II GC, hosts a small number of stars distributed on the red side of the main stream of ChM stars. Our results suggest that 1P stars are inhomogeneous in the overall metallicity, with variations on the order of ∼0.10 dex in all the chemical species. The anomalous stars distributed on a redder sequence of the ChM are further enriched in metals but have no evidence for a significant enrichment in the s elements. Our three second population stars located on the normal component of the map have metallicities similar to those of the metal-richer 1P oup, suggesting that this population formed from these stars. Although three stars is a too-small sample to draw strong conclusions, the low spread in metals of these objects might point toward formation in a fully mixed medium, possibly after a cooling flow phase.

Noradrenaline tracks emotional modulation of attention in human amygdala

The noradrenaline (NA) system is one of the brain's major neuromodulatory systems; it originates in a small midbrain nucleus, the locus coeruleus (LC), and projects widely throughout the brain.1,2 The LC-NA system is believed to regulate arousal and attention3,4 and is a pharmacological target in multiple clinical conditions.5,6,7 Yet our understanding of its role in health and disease has been impeded by a lack of direct recordings in humans. Here, we address this problem by showing that electrochemical estimates of sub-second NA dynamics can be obtained using clinical depth electrodes implanted for epilepsy monitoring. We made these recordings in the amygdala, an evolutionarily ancient structure that supports emotional processing8,9 and receives dense LC-NA projections,10 while patients (n= 3) performed a visual affective oddball task. The task was designed to induce different cognitive states, with the oddball stimuli involving emotionally evocative images,11 which varied in terms of arousal (low versus high) and valence (negative versus positive). Consistent with theory, the NA estimates tracked the emotional modulation of attention, with a stronger oddball response in a high-arousal state. Parallel estimates of pupil dilation, a common behavioral proxy for LC-NA activity,12 supported a hypothesis that pupil-NA coupling changes with cognitive state,13,14 with the pupil and NA estimates being positively correlated for oddball stimuli in a high-arousal but not a low-arousal state. Our study provides proof of concept that neuromodulator monitoring is now possible using depth electrodes in standard clinical use.

Decoding of lime-based binder materials of ancient vernacular Chettinad constructions in Southern India through microanalytical characterization

Vernacular Chettinad lime binder is widely popular in Southern India because of its quality in terms of durability over centuries and the fine glossy finishes attainable. However, its manufacturing technique concerning raw materials, the application process, and resultant characteristics are not explored or documented. The present study attempts to explore the mix compositions and application strategies of Chettinad lime plaster and mortar by characterizing samples collected from two ancient structures approximately 100 years old and in intact condition. Like any Chettinad constructions, the plaster in both buildings constitutes a base coat (coarser as observed) and a superior smooth glossy appearance finishing layer. The plaster samples collected from various locations from the two sites were thoroughly characterized for their physicochemical properties, microstructural characteristics, surface properties, mineralogical compositions, porosity, and pore size distribution. Analyses of the plaster samples suggest that the air lime and locally available, river-based siliceous aggregates were utilized as binder and aggregate, respectively, in ratios ranging from 1:1.51 and 1:2.57 in each of the buildings studied and correlated the ratio to their durability performance as well. Shell lime and organics such as curd and egg white were utilized to obtain the glossy plaster finish. The art of manufacturing and application of such a durable indigenous binder system is lost, not continued, and undocumented. The present study would act as (i) documentation that aids the continuation of the technique of the traditional binder production, as well as (ii) decoding the compositional differences of the plaster and mortar at various locations/applications, which would help in properly maintaining and restoring degraded portions of building structures by reproducing similar and compatible material.

Bidirectional fabric evolution in Hamelin Pool microbialites, Shark Bay, Western Australia

AbstractHamelin Pool, Shark Bay, Western Australia hosts the world's largest and most extensive assemblages of living marine microbialites, comparable in size and shape to ancient structures found throughout the fossil record. Documented here are the internal fabrics of modern microbialites collected throughout Hamelin Pool. Mesoscale and microscale observations of microbialite polished slabs and thin section scans, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy formed the basis for a fabric classification system that combines accretionary mat type with microfabric. Accretionary mat types included pustular, smooth, colloform, as well as ‘transitional’ mats that are a cross between pustular and smooth mats. Mapping of fabrics in 45 microbialite heads indicated bidirectional evolution. An upward progression of fabrics corresponded to changes in mat type as the head grew upward into shallower water. A downward evolution of microfabrics occurred as surface mats transitioned into the subsurface of the microbialite structure. Downward microfabric evolution occurred as a result of early taphonomic processes, and involved a progression from the original depositional architecture to subsequent stages of “Micritic Thickening”, and finally, “Cement Infilling”. The observed bidirectional evolution of microbialite microfabrics within Hamelin Pool offers a conceptual framework for the study of modern microbialites, not simply as the sole product of accretionary mat types but rather as the combined result of the activity of surface mats and their taphonomic evolution. Early taphonomic processes induce further lithification of the microbialites which may enhance preservation potential in the geological record.

ANCIENT AND CONTEMPORARY COASTAL ENGINEERING STRUCTURES UNIQUE TO AUSTRALIA

This paper presents ancient and contemporary coastal engineering structures which are relatively unique to Australia. While aspects of these structures or similar structures occur elsewhere, their development or evolution within Australia has been globally unique. The following classes of coastal structures are discussed: indigenous fish traps; ocean pools; wave trap beaches; fixed trestle, jet pump sand bypass plants; and groin modifications for surfing.

RODOLFO LANCIANI AND THE SOUTHWEST QUIRINAL: FROM EXCAVATION TO THE FORMA URBIS ROMAE

In 1885, during excavations on the southwest slope of the Quirinal Hill, two magnificent Hellenistic bronzes were discovered by Rodolfo Lanciani. Although Lanciani dated the burial of the bronzes to the era of the barbarian attacks on the city of Rome, here it will be argued that the bronzes may have been excavated elsewhere by clandestine diggers and then reburied on the Quirinal slope, in a stash of robbers’ loot. Utilizing newly located archival sources that shed fresh light on the excavation, and interrogating Lanciani's published accounts of it, this paper presents a case study of this small area of the hill. This leads in turn to an investigation of Lanciani's practice as a cartographer in plate XXII of his Forma Urbis Romae where the hillside was subsequently depicted. Plate XXII has a wider relevance for any user of the FUR because a close analysis of this one plate suggests that Lanciani's representation of the southwest Quirinal is dominated by a cartographic rhetoric. This is composed of significant omissions, obfuscations and graphic hierarchies all of which are employed to influence and manipulate the reader. It is argued that plate XXII of Lanciani's map is a persuasive rendering rather than a disinterested record of the ancient structures that were found buried there. This has significance for any reader of the FUR.

Discussion of the Non-Destructive Testing Possibilities for the Study of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Many constructions built by ancient civilization hold many mysteries and attract the attention of historians, archaeologists and tourists from all over the world. The most famous and enigmatical among them is the Great (Khufu’s-Cheops’) Pyramid on the Giza plateau in Egypt. The assignment, construction methods and especially the inside structure of the Pyramid have been the cause of heated debate among historians and researchers since ancient times. Unfortunately, not only researchers are interested in ancient structures and excavation sites of archaeological values, but also robbers and illegal seekers of archaeological values. This led to the partial destruction of the Pyramid by the order of the Arab caliph Al-Ma’mun in the 9th century AD. From the middle of the last century, the point of view has prevailed that only non-destructive testing methods are acceptable when examining ancient structures. In the 1960s, a technology was proposed for transilluminating the pyramids of Giza by muons, which are generated by cosmic rays in the Earth’s atmosphere. This method gave promising results. Other means were also proposed, which include radar, as well as gravitational and vibration technologies. However, despite numerous attempts to use them, no significant success or discovery has been achieved. A discussion of these methods, their applications and partial successes is the subject of this article.

Assessing the potential of Sentinel-2 imagery and spectroscopy for determining the origin of ancient artifacts in Khuzestan, Iran

Studying the spectral behavior of objects using remote sensing and spectroscopy can be used to identify the source of the raw materials. Therefore, this research first studied the spectral behavior and composition of the ancient artifacts of the Ziggurat temple located in the Khuzestan province, southwest Iran, using FieldSpec3 spectro-radiometer, The Spectral Geologist (TSG), the Prism software, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. A Comparison of the spectral curves and absorption features of the samples shows that the spectral behavior of brick and pottery samples differs mostly from that of soil samples. The next step was to examine the potential of Sentinel-2 images to classify the area using the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classifier for detecting the origin of the raw materials utilized in the construction of the Ziggurat's brick and pottery samples. The SAM results showed that the raw materials originated mostly from outside the area, which are confirmed by the results of TSG and Prism software. Comparison of the XRD results with the SAM and TSG validated that XRD results confirmed the SAM results. However, only some of the TSG similarity results were consistent with the XRD. These results suggest that the Sentinel-2 image was successful in finding the source of raw materials. The results can help decision makers to make informed decisions about the conservation and preservation of the temple and its artifacts. Also, they can use these techniques to investigate the origin of other ancient structures and artifacts in different locations.

Numerical Reconstruction in Maritime Archaeology

Numerical reconstruction is the process of modeling, analyzing, and evaluating the performance of structures or a sequence of events using the finite element method and other numerical engineering methods. Although numerical analysis is used extensively in contemporary engineering problems, it can be equally useful in the study of ancient structures and events of the past. The materials and design of structures are different, e.g., when comparing a modern containership with an old galleon, but the main problem to be solved is essentially the same—will the ship sail efficiently and safely for many years? This paper aims to provide an overview of recent achievements in numerical reconstruction in maritime archaeology. Since it is clearly an interdisciplinary activity, research is often carried out within a specific project by project team members or interested groups of researchers. While the paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of such efforts, special attention is paid to activities related to the AdriaS (Archaeology of Adriatic Shipbuilding and Seafaring) and NEREAS (Numerical Reconstruction in the Archaeology of Seafaring) projects supported by the Croatian Science Foundation, to which the authors actively contribute.

Hyposensitizing effect of high altitude and immunogenetic law

The studies were carried out in 24 sexually mature male guinea pigs. They were used as model of immediate-type allergic reaction (active cutaneous anaphylaxis). The animals were divided in 2 groups: control and experimental. The control group was housed in the mountain valley during the study, and the experimental group stayed for 45 days in high mountains (Anzob, 3375 m above sea level). On the day +30, all animals were sensitized with horse serum. On the 12th day of sensitization, blood was taken for analysis, and on the 15th day, an allergic reaction was provoked. We have revealed that, under high-altitude conditions, the severity of reaction was 1.5 times lower than in controls. Moreover, the animals kept in highlands exhibited lower contents of T and B lymphocytes, and IgE antibodies than in the control group. On the contrary, the numbers of phagocytically active neutrophils, as well as total effect of phagocytosis, proved to be higher in this group. This shift may be facilitated by hypoxia, since aerobic processes are known to prevail in the energy metabolism of lymphocytes, and anaerobic processes dominate in neutrophils. The allergic conditions are developed in three stages. Immunological stage is the first and main one, and allergic restructuring of the body immunity largely depends on it. What is the matter of reconstruction under the high-altitude conditions? We suggest, that, along with Haeckel–M ller biogenetic rule, there is also an immunogenetic law: “The activation sequence of events in the body’s defense system is a reproduction of phylogenesis, i.e., switching of subsequent link in defense system follows the evolutionary principles of complication and improvement. Namely, with respect to failing of previous link to completely eliminate the antigen in defense system”. One may conventionally consider that the first protective barrier against antigens is the most evolutionarily ancient structure, i.e., skin and mucous membrane; the second represents factors of nonspecific defense (phagocytosis, lysozyme, interferon, etc.); the third barrier is presented by cellular immunity (T effector cells, etc.), with humoral immunity serving as the fourth barrier. The fifth protective barrier provides evolutionarily late defense, i.e. allergic reaction, which is triggered by Ig E antibodies. On the mentioned basis, one may state that the decreased allergic reaction (the 5th barrier) in the animals from the experimental group was caused by adaptive changes in protective mechanisms of body. One may suggest that, under the high-altitude conditions an increase was observed in functional activity of phagocytes (2nd barrier), along with a decrease in activity of lymphocytes, i.e., cell populations responsible for the evolutionary later protective barriers.

Early Mosques that have Never Been (Found): Literary Sources Versus Physical Remains

Abstract Mosques are one main type of evidence to represent early Islam in the archaeological record. Dating mosques is crucial for pinpointing the earliest presence of the Muslim faith in a region and to test certain historical narratives known from the literary sources. Scholars, however, sometimes date medieval mosques in excavations and surveys relying on literary sources. Following these texts has led to dating several mosque remains to the seventh or eighth century. In contrast, archaeologically independent dating tools support only later or indefinite dates for these ancient structures. This article presents four sites that consist of a mosque each of which has been dated to the seventh or eighth century: Fusṭāṭ, Jerusalem, Wāsiṭ, and Ramla. Through these case studies, supplemented by similar examples, I demonstrate the gap between the literary sources and the material evidence. Interpreting relevant epigraphical data, as well as excavation results from many more sites, suggests that the spread of mosques beyond the Arabian Peninsula and Greater Syria occurred only in the ninth century. The literary sources, therefore, cannot be read at face value and can certainly not form the basis for interpreting and dating physical remains.

Aggression: The dark side of mirror neurons sheds light on their functions

Mirror neurons have been found mainly in neocortical structures of primates and rodents; however, their functions are still debated. A new study has discovered mirror neurons for aggressive behaviors in the ventromedial hypothalamus of mice, an evolutionarily ancient structure, highlighting a new function key for survival.

Информационная летопись эволюции Аральского моря

This study is a fragment of the information chronicle of the evolution of the Aral Sea, captured on the sites of ancient shores and paleorusels, in the discovered archaeological artifacts and traces of ancient structures (settlements) on the exposed bottom of the Kazakh part of the Southern (Big) water area The Aral Sea. It is shown that fluctuations in the water cycle, including migration (meandering) Both the Amudarya and the Syrdarya rivers were an important prerequisite for the emergence of a unique settlement culture in the oasis areas of the arid zone. The analysis of paleorousels reveals that the duration of regressive periods in the evolution of the Aral Sea lasted longer than transgressive processes. Throughout the transgressive-regressive processes, the Syrdarya River had a more or less stable flow with significant migration (change) of the channel, but always with a directional flow into the Aral Sea, while the Amudarya radically changed its course. The studied materials are the most valuable source for a wide range of researchers, as well as the key tounderstanding the large-scale processes of the evolution of the Aral Sea.

Geomagnetic and FDEM Methods in the Roman Archaeological Site of Bocca Delle Menate (Comacchio, Italy)

The increasing use of geophysical investigations for archaeological purposes is now provided also by Italian reforms about preventive archaeology. They allow not only the discovery or the spatial definition of possible buried archaeological evidence, but they are also able to define the state of preservation of ancient structures. The Bocca delle Menate archaeological site is in Comacchio village territory, situated in Ferrara provence (Emilia Romagna region, Italy). The archeological site provides important evidence of the Roman presence in the Po Delta (Italy). The Roman villa was excavated between 1958 and 1959, during the reclaiming works in the Mezzano Valley (Comacchio, Ferrara). An archaeological preliminary survey and a geophysical field trip using Geomagnetic and Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Methods were carried out, following the aim to identify the planimetry of the villa previously excavated and eventually newly discovered archaeological remains. The geomagnetic results detected the archaeological buried structures, even if the original disposition of them is not completely highlighted. The electromagnetic method was able to depict the geological and geomorphological background surrounding the Roman villa. The obtained results highlighted that the applied geophysical methods are excellent tools for the preservation, protection, and monitoring of archaeological heritage previously excavated, adding to their already known importance as best tools for new archaeological buried remains detections.

Migration of paleo-uplift in southwestern Tarim Basin and its implications for orogenesis and reservoir development, NW China

Based on well horizon calibration, the typical seismic profiles in southwestern Tarim Basin were interpreted systematically, regional geological sections were established, and the regional denudation thickness of each tectonic period was restored. On this basis, the plane morphology maps of ancient structures of the Cambrian pre-salt dolomites in different periods were compiled, and the spatial distribution, development, evolution and migration of paleo-uplift in the late Early Paleozoic were analyzed. In the late Early Paleozoic, there existed a unified regional paleo-uplift widely distributed in southwestern Tarim Basin, which is called the southwestern Tarim plaeo-uplift. The “Tarim SW paleo-uplift” and “Hetian paleo-uplift” proposed in previous literatures are not independent, but the result of the spatio-temporal migration and evolution of the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift identified in this paper. The southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift emerged at the end of Middle Ordovician, and took its initial shape with increased amplitude in the Late Ordovician. During the Silurian, the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift rose steadily and expanded rapidly to the east, incorporating Pishan—Hetian and other areas, with the structural high locating in the Pishan—Hetian area. During the Devonian, the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift began to shrink gradually, to a limited range in the Pishan—Hetian area in the southern part of the basin. During the Carboniferous, the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift became an underwater uplift, that is, the paleo-uplift gradually died out. The southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift belongs to the forebulge of the southwestern Tarim foreland basin in the late Early Paleozoic, and its formation and evolution are related to the early Paleozoic orogeny of the West Kunlun orogenic belt in the south of the Tarim Basin. The migration of the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift from the northwestern part of the southwestern Tarim Basin to the Pishan—Hetian area indicates the early Paleozoic orogenic process of the West Kunlun orogenic belt, which started in the western section at the end of Middle Ordovician and extended from west to east in a “scissor” style. The migration and evolution of the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift controlled the development of unconformities at the end of Middle Ordovician, the end of Late Ordovician, and the end of Middle Devonian, and the spatial distribution of dissolved fracture-cave reservoirs in weathered crust below the unconformities in the southwest of Tarim Basin. The migration of the structural high of the southwestern Tarim paleo-uplift also played an important role in controlling the development of dissolved fracture-cave reservoirs in weathered crust.

Spatial heterogeneity of the lithospheric destruction of the North China Craton: Evidence from an extended magnetotelluric sounding profile

To study the spatial heterogeneity of the North China Craton (NCC) destruction, this paper used a magnetotelluric sounding (MT) profile that passes through almost the entire NCC from west to east. Three-dimensional inversion is used to obtain a lithospheric resistivity model of the NCC. The results show that the upper crust of the Ordos Block is characterized by high resistivity. The lower crust to the upper mantle is characterized by low resistivity. The resistivity structure below the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO) has stratification features; The Shanxi Graben shows high-low-high-low resistivity features from the upper crust to the asthenosphere; The lithosphere of the Lüliang and Taihang uplifts show high-resistivity features, and only some local relatively low-resistivity areas appear at the crust-mantle boundary. The upper crust on both sides of the Tan-Lu Fault Zone is characterized by high resistivity, but the resistivity structures of the lower crust and the lithospheric mantle are significantly different; The lower crust and the lithospheric mantle of the Sulu Orogenic Belt on the east are characterized by high resistivity; The Luxi Uplift on the west is represented by low resistivity. We propose that the mantle low-resistivity bodies (C1 and C4) of the Western and Eastern blocks may be related to the upwelling of partial melting materials along the ancient structurally weak zones in the lithosphere. The TNCO still has a typical Archean cratonic lithosphere, and the low-resistivity body C2 may be the remnant of the subducted oceanic crust. The Tan-Lu Fault Zone is structurally weak in the Eastern Block, while its western branch is a channel for the asthenospheric upwelling. We propose that the lithosphere of the northwestern Ordos Block and the Yinchuan-Hetao area is being destructed, and the TNCO is in the initial stage of being destructed. In contrast, the lithosphere of the Eastern Block has been severely destructed. In conclusion, affected by the subduction of the paleo-Pacific plate and the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, the ancient structures in the NCC were reactivated in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, resulting in the spatial heterogeneity of the NCC destruction.

Forensic investigations on 1900 years old brick and mortar samples from Buddhist stupa located at Nalasopara, India

A comprehensive understanding of the materials used and practices adopted during the construction of ancient structures becomes necessary in the realm of forensic civil engineering. In this study, forensic investigations on a 1900 years old Buddhist stupa located at Nalasopara (India) were conducted through comprehensive characterization of bricks and mud mortar samples of the structure. The overall conservation status of the bricks was investigated using a combination of techniques like BET-specific surface area, helium gas pycnometer, XRF, XRD, ATR-FTIR, Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, SEM-EDX and TG-DTA. Based on the comprehensive (by resorting to physical, chemical, mineralogical, morphological, thermal and porosity) characterization, it has been observed that the stupa was primarily constructed using normal and overfired bricks with firing temperatures varying between 700 and 900 °C. Moreover, the lateritic soil sourced to manufacture brick and mud mortar was excavated from the same geological formation.

Documentation and Conservation of Mughal Architectural Pattern - Bibi Maraim Mausoleum and Mosque Complex at Narayanganj, Dhaka in Bangladesh

All the historical structures of today's Narayanganj city have been eroded by terrible clutch. These structures include the magnificent structures of the Sultanate, Mughal and British Colonial periods. Among these structures, the ones that still survive against the adversities of nature and man-made factors inspire wonder in the minds of tourists and archaeologists. One such sight-seeing structure of the Mughal era is the complex, which includes Bibi Mariam's tomb and mosque. Complexity is a wrong idea. It is correct to say that Bibi Mariam's fort is impressive in both appearance and overall consideration. Bibi Mariam's tomb and mosque complex consists of several structures. The status of these establishments is neither greater nor lesser than that of the others. Recognized as Mughal structures, these structures stand with dignity. These structures have survived from age to age. Adequate intervention should be taken in that regard. Otherwise, the identity of this establishment, i.e., time, place, and time, cannot be presented to the new generation in the coming days.Due to the superstitious mentality of the local people, a lot of ornamentation is seen in tombs or mosques.Over time, these structures have been discussed or considered as ancient resources. A lot of decay is seen in the structures. Therefore, it is very important to know one thing for the restoration of these aesthetic structures, and that is to follow the right rules for conservation, compilation, and reconstruction. Bangladesh's historical structures, in particular, face threats and disasters as a result of an identity crisis and inappropriate reconstruction.Complex has the same situation. The building is currently in a state of disrepair. The establishment has lost much of its appeal. This article presents extensive documentation of Bibi Mariam's tomb and mosque complex. Apart from that, it sheds light on how this ancient structure can be brought to the public and preserved.

RUA BARÃO RODRIGUES MENDES, RECIFE, PE: MEMORIES OF ITS JOURNEY FROM THE FROM THE 17TH TO THE 21ST CENTURY

This is an archaeological study based on the archaeological monitoring of the works for the embedding of the electrical network and data about Recife, certainly the oldest area of occupation in that city. According to the provisions of the Project, each street was treated as an archaeological site. Depending on the objectives of engineering, the open pits in the streets, sometimes long trenches, whose width of 40, 60 and sometimes even 80 cm, provided windows facing the time in which the streets were formed, were modified, and the construction techniques and materials varied. Based on the study of the open trenches, we sought to identify each ancient structure located in terms of its chronology and context. The results of the archaeological monitoring of the works also made it possible to document the process of expansion of the space occupied by the city, the construction of the mainland taken from the waters, the rivers, and the sea.

RUA BARÃO RODRIGUES MENDES, RECIFE, PE: MEMORIES OF ITS JOURNEY FROM THE FROM THE 17TH TO THE 21ST CENTURY

This is an archaeological study based on the archaeological monitoring of the works for the embedding of the electrical network and data about Recife, certainly the oldest area of occupation in that city. According to the provisions of the Project, each street was treated as an archaeological site. Depending on the objectives of engineering, the open pits in the streets, sometimes long trenches, whose width of 40, 60 and sometimes even 80 cm, provided windows facing the time in which the streets were formed, were modified, and the construction techniques and materials varied. Based on the study of the open trenches, we sought to identify each ancient structure located in terms of its chronology and context. The results of the archaeological monitoring of the works also made it possible to document the process of expansion of the space occupied by the city, the construction of the mainland taken from the waters, the rivers, and the sea.