Archaeological Remnants Research Articles

Laser scanner surveys on the Island of Capri. The contribution of a metrological approach to the understanding of ancient architecture

The CNR, within the “Masgaba” project, contributes to the archaeological mapping of Capri. This initiative involves survey activities, historical-architectural studies, and the creation of detailed graphic documentation integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS). Surveys employ advanced technologies, such as laser scanning and photogrammetry. The resultant 3D models contribute to site documentation and analysis. This study advocates the use of a methodological approach reliant on precise measurements and thorough planimetric surveys achieved through instrumental techniques to investigate and comprehend archaeological remnants with a high degree of certainty. By combining this with careful examination of walls and construction techniques, historical phases and space functions can be defined. The examination of three archaeological sites in Capri, Grotta dell’Arsenale, Villa of Gradola, and Villa of Damecuta, exemplifies this approach.

Assyrian conquest and ruralization: unveiling territorial dynamics in the provinces of Magiddû and Samerina

Between 732 and 720 BCE, the Assyrian conquest of the Kingdom of Israel marked a pivotal moment in the political history of the southern Levant, culminating in the establishment of the provinces of Magiddû and Samerina. The imprint of Assyrian dominance on these regions is evident through various archaeological remnants, reflecting the profound impact of the empire on local communities. This paper intends to delve into the transformation of settlement patterns within these provinces, elucidating their political and economic role within the empire and the extent of imperial territorial exploitation within the dynamic political landscape of the southern Levant. Central to this investigation is the assertion that the Assyrian administration favoured a process of ruralization within the newly formed provinces, characterized by the emergence of distinct ‘islands of control’. These are clusters of sites formed by a few administrative centres surrounded by a constellation of farm sites, interconnected by a network of roads. This recurring phenomenon emerges as a consistent motif throughout the Assyrian Empire, underscoring a strategy of territorial organization geared towards efficiently managing agricultural resources.

Forensic Microbiology: When, Where and How.

Forensic microbiology is a relatively new discipline, born in part thanks to the development of advanced methodologies for the detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms, and also in relation to the growing impact of infectious diseases of iatrogenic origin. Indeed, the increased application of medical practices, such as transplants, which require immunosuppressive treatments, and the growing demand for prosthetic installations, associated with an increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, have led to a rise in the number of infections of iatrogenic origin, which entails important medico-legal issues. On the other hand, the possibility of detecting minimal amounts of microorganisms, even in the form of residual traces (e.g., their nucleic acids), and of obtaining gene and genomic sequences at contained costs, has made it possible to ask new questions of whether cases of death or illness might have a microbiological origin, with the possibility of also tracing the origin of the microorganisms involved and reconstructing the chain of contagion. In addition to the more obvious applications, such as those mentioned above related to the origin of iatrogenic infections, or to possible cases of infections not properly diagnosed and treated, a less obvious application of forensic microbiology concerns its use in cases of violence or violent death, where the characterization of the microorganisms can contribute to the reconstruction of the case. Finally, paleomicrobiology, e.g., the reconstruction and characterization of microorganisms in historical or even archaeological remnants, can be considered as a sister discipline of forensic microbiology. In this article, we will review these different aspects and applications of forensic microbiology.

Synergizing multi-criteria diagnosis for safeguarding cultural heritage and the restoration of vanished legacy: A historical exploration in science, technology, and archaeology

The urgent need to preserve cultural heritage is starkly evident in contemporary society, particularly poignant in Morocco where its rich cultural legacy faces unprecedented threats. The rapid forces of urbanization and relentless economic development have converged, resulting in the alarming devaluation and irreversible degradation of a substantial portion of this invaluable heritage. Within this disconcerting backdrop, certain remarkable vestiges have managed to endure the ravages of time. One such exemplar is the Marinid Madrasa, an architectural marvel from the 4th century, nestled within the Chellah archaeological site in Rabat, Morocco. Beyond its physical grandeur, the Madrasa plays a pivotal role as a conduit between the past and the future, facilitating the transmission of cultural heritage to generations yet unborn. This paper embarks on a multidisciplinary journey, employing advanced techniques such as terrestrial photogrammetry, numerical modeling, and specialized archaeological characterization, to undertake comprehensive diagnostic study processes. The convergence of these diverse methodologies lays a robust foundation for a holistic diagnostic study. This endeavor serves not only academic curiosity but becomes the cornerstone upon which strategies for compatible conservation and restoration interventions are erected. In the intricate interplay between historical preservation and the imperatives of progress, these methodologies form a bridge. This bridge links the architectural magnificence of the Madrasa with the imperatives of safeguarding it in a rapidly changing world. The ultimate aspiration of this multidisciplinary approach is twofold: to ensure the enduring protection of the Marinid Madrasa and other archaeological remnants against the erosive forces of time and urban development, and to forge a narrative that sensitively navigates the challenges posed by preserving cultural heritage in the face of modernity. In this endeavor, advanced technologies are interwoven with a profound recognition of the historical, social, and cultural significance of these sites, ultimately charting a course that not only conserves architectural brilliance but also honors the profound stories they encapsulate across the epochs.

Geospatial integration in mapping pre-Hispanic settlements within Aztec empire limits

Mexico’s vast archaeological research tradition has increased with the use of remote sensing technologies; however, this recent approach is still costly in emerging market economies. In addition, the scales of prospection, landscape, and violence affect the type of research that heritage-culture ministries and universities can conduct. In Central Mexico, researchers have studied the pre-Hispanic Settlement Pattern during the Mesoamerican Postclassic (900-1521 AD) within the scope of the Aztec Empire and its conquests. There are settlements indications before and during the rule of the central empire, but the evidence is difficult to identify, particularly in the southwest of the capital, in the transition between the Lerma and Balsas River basins and their political-geographical complexities. This research focuses on a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based processing of multiple source data, the potential prospection of archaeological sites based on spatial data integration from Sentinel-2 optical sensors, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and field validation. What is revealed is the relationship between terrain morphologies and anthropic modifications. A binary map expresses possible archaeological remnants as a percentage; NDVI pixels and the morphometry values were associated with anthropic features (meso-reliefs with a tendency to regular geometries: slope, orientation, and roughness index); they were then interpreted as probable archaeological evidence. Within archaeological fieldwork, with limited resources (time, funding and staff), this approach proposes a robust method that can be replicated in other mountainous landscapes that are densely covered by vegetation.

Biblical Portrayal of Ethiopia as a Challenge to Western Perspectives of Africa

Africa has been presented as underdeveloped and backward until the adventure of colonial architects. Archaeological remnants and structures, some of which are still standing to date, portray a different reality seemingly echoed by the biblical account. The endowment of Africa with natural resources, evidence of processing abilities and references to established kingdoms occasionally used as instruments of divine punishment of Israel or provision of refuge suggests a much more advanced situation than has been routinely presented by historians. The biblical record which has been proven for its reliability and historicity provides us with the impetus to re-analyse key texts in order to re-examine the views that have been posited. The Western tendency to undermine Africa's advancements is well known. This article therefore considers the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch as a point of reference to African realities reflected throughout the biblical text.

Characterization of archaeological remains from a military settlement in the Argentinian Pampas (19th century): New insights by laser–induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser–induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for the rapid characterization of the elemental composition of archaeological remnants recovered from a military settlement dating from 1831, located at the center of the Argentinian Pampas (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). This research is part of an interdisciplinary project for the study of military fortifications within the field of historical archaeology. We present original results of the analysis of metallic artifacts, bones, potsherds, and colored glazed crockery of the site. The measurements included drilling through superficial weathering and corrosion layers to determine the underlying bulk composition of the materials, the analysis of glazing processes and the identification of pigments in the paintings. A new analytical approach was applied for the discrimination of elements corresponding to the pigments, the binder medium or the glaze from those belonging to the paste matrix which improved the LIBS performance. The obtained results provided useful information related to the characteristics, raw materials, manufacturing processes, use and provenance of the objects that contributed to achieve a more comprehensive knowledge of the archaeological context investigated.

A Theoretical Framework for Informal 3D Rendered Analysis of the RomanLarariumfrom Apollonia-Arsuf

AbstractDigital reconstruction and visualization of archaeological sites are beneficial not only for public edification and admiration, but they can also significantly contribute to the site interpretation process. By going beyond basic modeling scenarios, one can apply 3D analyses for accurately testing visibility and lighting parameters, among other aspects. Based on the results of these tests, further insights can be extrapolated about the lived experience of culturally specific ancient peoples. The case of a Roman “villa” at Apollonia-Arsuf in Israel presents the opportunity to apply these informal techniques to a household shrine, or niche-stylelararium, found within the building in order to ascertain sightline visibility based on the architectural plan and visual impact as a result of artificial illumination from ceramic lamps. This paper also considers how photorealistic visualizations aid in phenomenological areas of research through sensory archaeology and sense of place, which in turn encourages reflection on the political, social, and religious meanings of the built environment. When we combine the power and diverse applications of 3D visualization technology with decades of research about Roman architecture, culture, religion, and social norms, the result is a step closer to recreating archaeological remnants and, in turn, understanding the ancient experience.

Archaeological Examination of Japanese Photographs and Archival Data from the Pre-WWII Okinawan Diaspora: Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

This study looks at archival records and photographs from the pre-WWII Japanese occupation of the Micronesian island of Tinian to discuss the archaeological remnants of the Okinawan diaspora from the 1920s to 1940s in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) today.

BRONZE SCABBARD-CHAPE AND BIMETALLIC SWORD FROM M. F. SUMTSOV KHARKIV HISTORICAL MUSEUM

In M. F. Sumtsov Kharkiv Historical Museum archaeological collection a bronze scabbard-chape can be found, which has a form of a rhomb-shaped plug that ends with a head of a carnivorous bird. The bird’s head is conveyed by three expressive elements — an eye in the eyesocket, a beak, and a tonguelet. Chapes of such type count a bit more than twenty exemplars, which are located preferably on the Caucasus and Northern Black Sea coastal area territories. Chape was included in the so-called «Kharkiv treasure». This treasure was supposedly found by two teenagers in their yard in 1957; they gave it to the museum. The treasure is very variegated by its content and counts 236 objects of different epochs — from the Neolithic Age to the Middle Ages and modern ages. By the range of symptoms the treasure can be linked to the Archaeological exhibition opened in occupied Kharkiv in 1942 and which was demolished by the fire in February 1943. The exhibition was based on the materials of the Historical Museum collections and the Archaeological Museum of the Kharkiv University; it demonstrated as wide chronological period as the content of the «Kharkiv treasure» was — from the Stone Age to the Cossacks times. So, apparently before the war, the chape belonged to the collection of one of these museums. The loss of the accounting records of both museums prevents from determining the more precise origin of the chape.
 In the Archaeological exhibition remnants after the fire a bimetallic sword with an iron blade and bronze handle was also found. The sword and the chape belong to the same cultural and chronological context and are tied with each other functionally. At the same time, they are quite rare findings. It allows admitting a possible connection between them and their belonging to the same complex. Visually the Kharkiv chape is the closest to the findings from the Northern Black Sea coastal area, which allows defining the possible territory of origin of this complex, which is just hypothetic for now.

Geoarchaeology and geomorphology of the Metaponto area, Ionian coastal belt, Italy

ABSTRACT A 1:28,000-scale geoarchaeological map has been prepared for a large sector of the Ionian coastal belt of the Basilicata region, southern Italy, in order to investigate the relationships between the spatial distribution of archaeological sites of Greek settlement of Metapontum and the main landforms of this sector of the Bradano Foredeep. Archaeological investigation consists of an examination and a re-organisation of published data and new field surveys, which has allowed us to infer the relationships between landform elements and spatial distribution of about 1400 archaeological remnants of the Greek colony of Metapontum. Our results highlight a non-random distribution of the archaeological evidence and the strong influence of geomorphological features and processes on the settlement pattern.

Shorelines in the Desert: Mapping Fish Trap Features along the Southwest Coast of Ancient Lake Cahuilla, California

ABSTRACTIn the desert of southeastern California, the geological and archaeological remnants of a once massive lake, Lake Cahuilla, are still visible. One of the most distinctive features marking Lake Cahuilla's relic shorelines is a series of rock fish trap features that, in some cases, stretch across thousands of square meters. These fish traps are severely understudied, and systematic archaeological survey can help scientists reconstruct the dynamic human-environmental history of the region. The large number of fish traps along with the rocky desert terrain, however, make traditional pedestrian archaeological surveys both difficult and inefficient. We used unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology along with traditional archaeological methods to conduct surveys and identify patterning in the shapes, orientations, and frequencies of fish traps. Our study demonstrates the potential of emerging archaeological field technology to better understand the nature of human-environmental ecodynamics through time and space.

Identification of archeological sites threatened with obliteration using space-borne and ground penetrating radars data in site of Tulul al-Ukhaidir, Iraq

Many archeological sites and cultural heritage in Iraq have suffered from disappearance as a result of climate factors and human interventions. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to interpret the dual-polarimetric ALOS image for the purpose of identifying the archeological remnants in the site of Tulul al-Ukhaidir. The results led to the identification of 21 potential sites, four of them in the right shoulder of Wadi Al-Abyadh (white valley), and 17 in the left shoulder. Nine sites were appeared as not covered and clearly visible after comparing them with the recent high-resolution image and the field observations, which were in the form of hills containing scattered stone remains, brick walls, and the remains of ancient archeological structures, whereas 12 sites nominated as potential archeological remains, which were completely covered with loose sand. 3D ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigation was performed in site P5 using a 250 MHz shielded antenna covering an area of 9 × 42.5 m, in order to verify the results of ALOS imagery and to characterize and depict the potential subsurface of the buried objects. The results of the GPR survey revealed a number of anomalies interpreted as demolished walls appeared on shallow depths begin approximately 0.15 to 0.3 m below surface, continue down to various depths, and have a width ranging from 0.5–5 m. One of the important anomalies that has been distinguished is the fence (sur) at a depth of about 0.2 m and it has a width reach of 7 m.

온돌(구들)기술 특성과 신한옥 적용을 위한 대안 고찰

Purpose: Part of the human heritage, Ondol developed on the Korean Peninsula and, as a heating system widely used therein, its excellence has been recognized globally. They have been used for many years, as archaeological remnants of Ondol dating to the Bronze Age demonstrate. Generally, in Korean heating systems, an Ondol is a way to warm a house by firing a furnace and heating up a flat stone. There are various types of Ondol depending on their manufacture and local forms, which shows the diversity of residential culture. As a residential feature, Ondol convey a sense of the unity and homogeneity of the Korean people. Ondol have been popularized and established over a long period, becoming a unique residential heating system in Korean culture. Historically, the traditional Ondol heating method was developed according to the needs of contemporary apartment life from as early as the Neolithic period; thus, it can be said to be the oldest and most common form of heating. Nevertheless, the international standard of Ondol technology has been promoted mainly in Europe and the West, rather than led by Korea. Method: Therefore, the present paper aims to provide concrete alternatives for the modernization and popularization of Ondol. To do so, this study will first summarize the terms related to Ondol and examine the characteristics of its structure and construction. It will then propose an alternative to the construction method applicable to the modern residential type of traditional Ondol. Result: As a result, this research will not only be limited to considering the soil and stone in house heating technologies; it will also examine the basic uses of machine equipment, electrical technology, and thermal storage or insulation as they are required in contemporary floor heating devices in traditional Ondol. The present study is significant in that its results will demonstrate the relationship between Ondol residential heating and national identity as well as identifying the superiority of Ondol heating in traditional Korean-style homes. This study will also suggest meaningful, contemporary heating methods for various countries in the future by suggesting modernization techniques for traditional residential heating.

온돌(구들)기술 특성과 신한옥 적용을 위한 대안 고찰

Purpose: Part of the human heritage, Ondol developed on the Korean Peninsula and, as a heating system widely used therein, its excellence has been recognized globally. They have been used for many years, as archaeological remnants of Ondol dating to the Bronze Age demonstrate. Generally, in Korean heating systems, an Ondol is a way to warm a house by firing a furnace and heating up a flat stone. There are various types of Ondol depending on their manufacture and local forms, which shows the diversity of residential culture. As a residential feature, Ondol convey a sense of the unity and homogeneity of the Korean people. Ondol have been popularized and established over a long period, becoming a unique residential heating system in Korean culture. Historically, the traditional Ondol heating method was developed according to the needs of contemporary apartment life from as early as the Neolithic period; thus, it can be said to be the oldest and most common form of heating. Nevertheless, the international standard of Ondol technology has been promoted mainly in Europe and the West, rather than led by Korea. Method: Therefore, the present paper aims to provide concrete alternatives for the modernization and popularization of Ondol. To do so, this study will first summarize the terms related to Ondol and examine the characteristics of its structure and construction. It will then propose an alternative to the construction method applicable to the modern residential type of traditional Ondol. Result: As a result, this research will not only be limited to considering the soil and stone in house heating technologies; it will also examine the basic uses of machine equipment, electrical technology, and thermal storage or insulation as they are required in contemporary floor heating devices in traditional Ondol. The present study is significant in that its results will demonstrate the relationship between Ondol residential heating and national identity as well as identifying the superiority of Ondol heating in traditional Korean-style homes. This study will also suggest meaningful, contemporary heating methods for various countries in the future by suggesting modernization techniques for traditional residential heating.

Application of the State-Of-The Art Engineering Methods in Nautical Archaeology

Modern interdisciplinary projects are connecting researchers from seemingly unrelated fields, like naval engineering and archaeology. However, archaeological remnants of the present days, such as ancient ships and ceramic transport containers, were created by engineers and artisans of the past. It is therefore meaningful to consider their function and construction from an engineering point of view, complementing the archaeological research. One track of the interdisciplinary project Archaeology of Adriatic Shipbuilding and Seafaring (AdriaS), founded by the Croatian Science Foundation, aims at better understanding of structural behaviour of the ancient seaborne structures, made of wood and ceramics. In addition, a reverse engineering method is considered in the analysis of underwater archaeological sites, by the simulation of capsizing of ancient ship. This paper presents the possibilities and limitation of the application of the state-of-the-art engineering methods in nautical archaeology. It focuses on the analysis of wooden and ceramics structures, particularly through the identification of open questions, and exploitation of proper material models. Moreover, it presents the complex fluid-structure interaction analysis of a ship capsizing event as a possible engineering tool for testing hypothesis.

New discovery of prehistoric archaeological remnants in volcanic caves in K’Rongno, Dak Nong province

New discovery of prehistoric archaeological remnants in volcanic caves in K’Rongno, Dak Nong province

Cattle in ritual practice and iconography in Bronze Age Cyprus

The difficulties involved in identifying the archaeological remnants of belief systems have been widely discussed. In many or even most instances, the material correlates of ritual action are likely to have left non-durable (myth, dancing, prayer, prophecy, libations) or non-diagnostic traces. Issues of recognition are thus fundamental to any discussion of the meaning and function of images and symbols and the artefacts on which they are inscribed. One approach – and that adopted here – is to limit the investigation to materials recovered from ritual contexts (where these can be identified) or otherwise of obvious ritual function or content, so that their operational role may be most clearly understood.

La Trace de Rome? Aerial Photography and Archaeology in Mandate Syria and Lebanon

In his 1933 book La Trace de Rome dans le désert de Syrie, Antoine Poidebard, the Jesuit missionary, French spy, colonial servant, air force officer, and archaeologist, published 219 aerial photographs of archaeological remnants in the Syrian steppe, which he identified as pertaining to the ancient Roman limes. This article examines Poidebard’s photographic reconfiguration of historical time and geographical space in the context of archaeology and historiography in Mandate Syria and Lebanon. The article argues that, in the absence of the archaeological groundwork that they were allegedly meant to enable, his photographs combined the appeal of a visible past with the promise of that past’s potential future as an object of investigation. In the transitory and politically precarious situation of the Mandate, the rare record constituted by these photographs upheld a projected connection between ancient Roman and modern French civilisation in the geographical region of the Mandate.

Soil archives of a Fluvisol: subsurface analysis and soil history of the medieval city centre of Vlaardingen, the Netherlands – an integral approach

Abstract. The medieval city of Vlaardingen (the Netherlands) was strategically located on the confluence of three rivers, the Maas, the Merwede, and the Vlaarding. A church of the early 8th century AD was already located here. In a short period of time, Vlaardingen developed in the 11th century AD into an international trading place and into one of the most important places in the former county of Holland. Starting from the 11th century AD, the river Maas repeatedly threatened to flood the settlement. The flood dynamics were registered in Fluvisol archives and were recognised in a multidisciplinary sedimentary analysis of these archives. To secure the future of these vulnerable soil archives an extensive interdisciplinary research effort (76 mechanical drill holes, grain size analysis (GSA), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), archaeological remains, soil analysis, dating methods, micromorphology, and microfauna) started in 2011 to gain knowledge on the sedimentological and pedological subsurface of the settlement mound as well as on the well-preserved nature of the archaeological evidence. Pedogenic features are recorded with soil description, micromorphological, and geochemical (XRF – X-ray fluorescence) analysis. The soil sequence of 5 m thickness exhibits a complex mix of "natural" as well as "anthropogenic" layering and initial soil formation that enables us to make a distinction between relatively stable periods and periods with active sedimentation. In this paper the results of this interdisciplinary project are demonstrated in a number of cross-sections with interrelated geological, pedological, and archaeological stratification. A distinction between natural and anthropogenic layering is made on the basis of the occurrence of the chemical elements phosphor and potassium. A series of four stratigraphic and sedimentary units record the period before and after the flooding disaster. Given the many archaeological remnants and features present in the lower units, in geological terms it is assumed that the medieval landscape was submerged while it was inhabited in the 12th century AD. In reaction to a final submersion phase in the late 12th century AD, the inhabitants started to raise the surface of the settlement. Within archaeological terms the boundary between natural and anthropogenic layers is stratigraphically lower, so that in the interpretation of archaeologists, the living ground was dry during the 12th and the 13th centuries AD. In this discussion, the geological interpretation will be compared with alternative archaeological scenarios.