Survey Of Archaeological Sites Research Articles

A convenient archaeological ruins identification method through elevation information extraction from CORONA stereo pairs

Three-dimensional (3-D) stereo images can be generated via computer-based image processing of CORONA stereo pairs. To a certain extent, important terrain and surface feature data extracted from these stereo images can improve the survey of archaeological sites and the identification and mapping of major landscapes. In this study, we focused on the identification of the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu City. An optical stereo model (red/blue stereo image) of the Liangzhu site was created through computer-based mosaicking and processing of CORONA remote-sensing stereo pairs taken in the 1960s and 1970s. By importing the optical stereo model into mobile phones, tablet computers, and other mobile devices, the research team undertook real-time locating of ruins via human observation, on-site investigation, and image overlay during a field survey and identified several Liangzhu-period dams, some of which have been confirmed via archaeological field investigations. The research team later applied the same method to the identification of tombs at the site of the mausoleums of the six emperors of the Southern Song dynasty. The results further prove that this method is feasible and reliable and can be widely promoted and used for the identification of archaeological ruins.

Advancing archaeo-geophysics through integrated informational-probabilistic techniques and remote sensing

Recent studies demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated archaeo-geophysical tools in resolving various geological-environmental challenges. This involves combining geophysical methods in archaeological fieldwork or remote sensing methods for preliminary survey and analysis of archaeological sites, potentially enhanced by machine learning techniques to estimate object shapes and characteristics. This study highlights the potential of employing informational and probabilistic approaches as optimal tools for evaluating and integrating critical information for archaeological research. Our proposed procedure for assessing the reliability of tools or toolsets is based on improved methodologies utilizing conditional probability, which were suggested in previous authors' publications. We illustrate examples of combining remote sensing, known for its low cost, portability, and effectiveness in initial archaeological site identification, with machine learning methods to locate and discover new sites in archaeologically well-studied areas in Israel. Subsequently, we conduct an informational assessment of remote sensing data and propose steps to correlate this data with other geophysical information probabilistically.

Mapping the Past: Preliminary Assessment of Survey of Archaeological Sites and Monuments in District Bhimber, AJ&K (2020-21)

Archaeological research has played a crucial role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Bhimber region. Numerous researchers and explorers have contributed to documenting its historical monuments and sites, but its potential has not been exploited at large. To document the archaeological potential of the District Bhimber, a survey was proposed. This paper focuses on the preliminary results of this survey and documentation of archaeological sites and monuments in the Bhimber district, AJ&K, conducted between 2020-21. The main objective of the survey was to find new sites and monuments and document in detail the exposed features of already reported and new sites and monuments. Traditional field walk following village to village survey methodology equipped with proforma has been adopted for the documentation of sites and monuments. Through these efforts, over fifteen archaeological sites and historic monuments have been identified and documented detail in District Bhimber, with the majority located in Tehsil Bhimber. The sites comprise of religious structures such as temples, gurdwaras, mosques, as well as residential and defensive structures such as forts and havelis mainly associated to Sikh and Mughal period. The discovery of these significant structures emphasizes the need for continued research and preservation efforts to safeguard the cultural heritage of the region for future generations. There is still a need of large-scale survey to document the archaeological sites and monuments in other regions of the Bhimber as well as AJ&K.

Исследование древнекорякского погребения С. П. Ефимовым на мысе Братьев в 1976 году (залив Бабушкина, Северное Приохотье)

The article provides information on a burial in a niche under a stone at Cape Bratyev in Babushkin Bay studied by S. P. Yefimov in 1976. The work yielded anthropological materials and related archaeological finds. The chance to conduct a whole genome analysis of bone remains from this burial stimulated their further study as well as the need to inspect the sites and burial grounds of the specified area. Interesting and significant data on anthropology and genetics were obtained. The individuals from the burial were found to belong to the present-day Koryaks' ancestry. It is also noted that, in the past, the inhabitants of this coast had some population contacts with the ancient residents of the southern Sea of Okhotsk shores. Brief information on the survey of Babushkin Bay archaeological sites is presented, as well.

FlyNet: Drones on the Horizon

Over the past few years, due to the boom of advances in image processing, edge computing, and wireless networking, unpiloted aerial vehicles, often referred to as drones, have become an important enabler to support a wide variety of scientific applications, ranging from environmental monitoring, disaster response, and wildfire monitoring to the survey of archaeological sites. In this article, we present the FlyNet platform, which extends an existing workflow management system to support and manage scientific workflows. FlyNet enables automated resource allocation, workflow instrumentation, and network service support to support researchers in their goal to analyze data for new scientific discoveries. In addition, FlyNet provides network services management to support quality of service for efficient data transport between edge devices, edge servers, and the cloud.

Some geomorphological implications of recent archaeological investigations on river terraces of the River Dee, Aberdeenshire

Excavation and survey of archaeological sites have in recent years generated new data on the chronology of river terraces on the River Dee between Banchory and Peterculter in Aberdeenshire. Terrace fragments have been mapped and correlated on altitudinal grounds, for the first time. Five terrace surfaces are identified and named, refining the terminology of the British Geological Survey. Three are distinct surfaces within the Lochton Sand and Gravel Formation. The relation between them, regional deglaciation and the formation of the Late Devensian Loch of Park, north of Crathes, suggests some time separated their development. Below these, a fourth terrace, the Camphill Terrace, is dated to before the Windermere Interstadial by finds of Late Upper Palaeolithic flints. The Camphill Terrace is argued to have been the active valley floor within the Younger Dryas also. Timing of incision from the Camphill Terrace is not understood: interpretations are different at three archaeological sites. The youngest terrace fill and surface, the Maryculter Terrace, began to form c . 5000 years ago.

The role of highland regions in interregional connectivity: Upper Galilee in the Early Bronze Age

The Early Bronze Age I–II transition in the southern Levant (c. 3000 BCE) is attested by significant changes in the organization of settlement systems, and economic modes of production and distribution. This study examined settlement patterns in the mountainous Upper Galilee and adjacent regions during the Early Bronze (EB) I–II. The regional settlement history was studied using a systematic survey of archaeological sites, as well as an analysis of all available archaeological data from previous surveys and salvage excavations. This study demonstrates that, despite the complexity of surveying multi-period mountainous sites, a systematic survey can contribute to reconstructing individual site histories and the region’s history as a whole. In the Early Bronze Age, the Mountainous Upper Galilee, usually considered peripheral to the large, newly-established urban centres of the lowlands, played a significant role that has previously been overlooked. In addition, this study offers an integrative highland–lowland model for the changing settlement landscapes at this transition.

RESEARCH OF OLD RUS SITES NEAR THE VILLAGE OF TSYBLI IN PEREYASLAV REGION (Pages Of The Field Work Of Dr. Oleg Sukhobokov)

The research materials of the Livoberezhno-Dnieprovska Slavic-Rus archaeological expedition of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in 1995 in the village of Tsybli in Pereyaslav region headed by Dr. Oleg Sukhobokov are publish in the paper. Research staff of the Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi State Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Pereyaslav-Khmelnytskyi Grigory Skovoroda Pedagogical Institute took part in its work. The expedition worked since July 4 to August 8 1995. Dr. Oleh Sukhobokov had long-time scientific ties with the Pereyaslav Reserve, and at the Institute Professor Sukhobokov carried out scientific and pedagogical work, lectured at the Faculty of History, and was a member of the editorial board of the periodical scientific publication.
 The goal of expedition was a comprehensive survey and excavation of multicultural archaeological sites in the vicinity of the settlement. The main focus of its work was the excavation of Old Rus monuments: the hillforts and settlements in the Uzviz 1, Uzviz 2 and Tserkva tracts. According to a number of signs the sites near the village Tsibli form a common complex — a three-parts settlement with a complex structure consisting of a fortified hillfort, an unfortified suburb on the plateau, a «posad» on the slope of the loess terrace — the «pidnizhia». It is also possible that there was a kind of “obolon” located on the lower part of the bank of the former Tsybli River, directly under the hillfort (the cultural layer of the latter was significantly destroyed by economic earthworks). The picture is complemented by the remains of a satellite village in the Tserkva tract located on the high end of the forest terrace, separated from the loess one by a water channel which is a remnant of the former Tsybli riverbed. The most interesting objects of research in 1995 were the remains of earth fortifications of the settlement in Uzviz 1 tract and two underground dwellings in the Uzviz 2 tract. In the Tserkva tract the massive cultural layers related to the functioning of the old village of Tsybli in the 17th—20th centuries and with the Old Rus settlement of the 11th—13th centuries were discovered. In two excavated Old Rus dwellings the remains of adobe household stoves were found, and thanks to the fire the charred remains of wooden structures and interior details of one of the dwellings were survived. The dwellings date from the 12th to the early 13th century. The nature of the charred remains and their considerable number allow us to draw certain conclusions regarding the construction and furnishing of the dwelling. Based on research materials, an attempt was made to graphically reconstruct one of the houses.
 Study of the complex of sites near the Tsybli village in Pereyaslav region in 1995, in which Dr. Oleg Sukhobokov took a direct part, made it possible to clarify the existing theories on the nature and borders of the settlement of this territory in Old Rus Age and to determine the prospects for further research.

Geology and construction: survey of archaeological sites and their natural environments (Gulf of Corinth, Greece)

This study attempts to demonstrate how Greek builders exploited their geological environment during the Archaic to Hellenistic periods. Four major sites in the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth are compared: the old city of Corinth, the sanctuary of Poseidon at Isthmia, ancient Sikyon and the Heraeum at Perachora. Ancient builders utilised primary topographic features and natural resources to their advantage, thus reducing costs. They preferred local low-density stones sourced from the more recent Corinth syn-rift deposits (calcarenite, oolitic grainstone, sandstones, stromatolites and conglomerates), rather than the pre-rift Mesozoic carbonates. These local stones represent more than 90% of the volume employed for public construction. Greek builders also imported allochthonous high-porosity limestones for their temples. Hard stones, such as marbles, do not appear to have been attractive to ancient builders at any of the studied sites.

Geology and construction: survey of archaeological sites and their natural environments (Gulf of Corinth, Greece)

Geology and construction: survey of archaeological sites and their natural environments (Gulf of Corinth, Greece)

New Information about the Mingtepa City Monument

This article provides new information about the city monument of Mingtepa, located in the northern part of the Sоgd region. The first information about the city monument of Mingtepa was recorded in the 70-80s of the last century. The conclusions are made on the basis of material artifacts obtained during excavations in the 1980s and last 2014-2017. Also presented the results of a joint Uzbek-French archaeological expedition on the survey of archaeological sites in the northern part of the Central Zarafshan oasis. Opinions about the localization of the city are expressed on the basis of written sources and new archaeological materials. On the basis of archaeological excavations, the classification of ceramic products and their interaction with the culture of neighboring territories are analyzed. Kabudanjakent, the Sogdian rustak located in the northern part of Zarafshan, and its pottery show similarities with the early medieval ceramics of Chach, Ustrushona, South and West Sugd regions, as well as the influence of the Kaunchi culture.

The Hidden Cairns—A Case Study of Drone-Based ALS as an Archaeological Site Survey Method

Conducting archaeological site surveys is time consuming, and large sites may have many small features or structures that are difficult to locate and interpret. Vegetation cover and dense forest hide small structures, like cairns, while at the same time forest cover can cause problems for LiDAR tools. In this case study, drone-based ALS (airborne laser scanning) was tested as an archaeological site survey tool. The research site was complex and located partially in a forested area, which made it possible to evaluate how forest cover affects data. The survey methods used were rather simple: visual analysis, point density calculations in the forest area, and, for site interpretation purposes, digitizing observations and viewshed analysis. Using straightforward methods allowed us to evaluate the minimum time and skills needed for this type of survey. Drone-based ALS provided good results and increased knowledge of the site and its structures. Estimates of the number of cairns interpreted as graves more than doubled as a result of the high-accuracy ALS data. Based on the results of this study, drone-based ALS could be a suitable high-accuracy survey method for large archaeological sites. However, forest cover affects the accuracy, and more research is needed.

PER ASPERA AD ASTRA: СТВОРЕННЯ ЛАБОРАТОРІЇ ПРИРОДНИЧОНАУКОВИХ МЕТОДІВ У ІНСТИТУТІ АРХЕОЛОГІЇ АН УРСР У 1960-І РР.

The purpose of the article is to highlight the process of establishing of the laboratory of natural science methods at the Institute of archaeology AS of the UkrSSR in the 1960s basing on archival sources from the Scientific archive of the Institute of archaeology NAS of Ukraine. The Research Methodology. Both general research methods and special methods of humanitarian and historical researches as the historiographic analysis, source critique and problem chronological method were applied by the author. The scientific novelty of the article consists in the fact that there are no publications on this topic and an initial period of the laboratory activity of natural science methods of the IA AS of the UkrSSR is unexplored. The Conclusions. In contrast to central archaeological research establishments of the USSR where forming of research infrastructure for applying methods of natural science in archaeology started in the 1950s, in Kyiv at the IA AS of UkrSSR this process began only in the middle of the 1960s despite an announce of the plans in 1956. Although the administrations of AS of the UkrSSR and the Institute supported the work in this field, but the laboratory of spectral analysis could not get things going for more than five years. The main technical equipment was bought by the IA AS of the UkrSSR as far back as in 1964 but because of the lack of free rooms, the need for qualified staff and bureaucratic delays of that period, which did not make it possible to solve problems rapidly, which appeared during the installation of new devices, researches did not start until the end of the decade. This situation changed only in the middle of the 1970s when the Institute of archaeology AS of the UkrSSR moved to a new building. But it was much better with applying geophysical methods in the survey of archaeological sites. Owing to V. P. Dudkin’s activity, who tested new equipment in the second half of the 1960s, a magnetic survey of the Trypillian settlement Maidanetske was completed in the first half of the next decade. In some period of time, despite the initial delay, the IA AS of the UkrSSR made progress in the use of research methods of natural science in archaeology. Keywords: history of archaeology, the Soviet archaeology, methods of natural science in archaeology, laboratory of natural science methods, Institute of archaeology AS of the UkrSSR.

Результаты обследования археологических памятников в Нижнем Приобье в 2021 году

In 2021, archaeological survey of archaeological sites (monitoring) in the Lower Ob region was conducted under the guidance of Aleksandr Kenig. At the preliminary stage of research, the search, review and analysis of archival and other written sources about the previous studies, analysis of satellite images and cartographic materials in the area of archaeological works in 2021 were carried out. The monitoring was conducted in the Oktyabrsky District of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Ugra, in the territory of 18 previously identified cultural (archaeological) heritage sites of regional importance -Starye Yurty 12 burial ground, Lysaya Gora settlement, temporal settlements Muratka 1, 2, Yurty, Yurty 2-4, Novye Yurty 1, Sherkaly 10, 11, 13, 15a, 16, hamlet Sherkaly 15, sites Old Yurty 9, Sudum-Soym 1, and Shagom-Yugan 1. In the course of the works photorecording and instrumental topographic survey of the site were conducted; exact coordinates of archaeological structures were determined; there the objects of material culture (fragments of ceramic vessels, iron and glass objects, waste products of metal production, animal bones were collected from the surface and in pits; totally more than 80 objects at 10 sites). As a result of the analyses of the fieldwork, landscape and topographic features of the area, as well as the results of previous studies, the data on the period of possible existence of the sites were clarified, the boundaries of the distribution of the cultural layer at the sites were established; the current assessment of the state of preservation of the sites was conducted and the factors affecting their integrity (mainly natural, also traces of “black diggers” activities were noted) were determined.

Holocene regional population dynamics and climatic trends in the Near East: A first comparison using archaeo-demographic proxies

This paper illustrates long-term trends in human population and climate from the Late Pleistocene to the Late Holocene (14,000–2500 cal. yr. BP) in order to assess to what degree climate change impacted human societies in the Near East. It draws on a large corpus of archaeo-demographic data, including anthropogenic radiocarbon dates (n = 10,653) and archaeological site survey (n = 22,533), and 16 hydro-climatic records from cave speleothems and lake sediments. Where possible, inferred population dynamics and climatic trends have been made spatially congruent, and their relationships have been statistically tested. Demographic proxies and palaeoclimatic records have been compared for the greater Near East as a whole and for seven major geo-cultural regions (Anatolia, Arabia, Cyprus, Iran, Levant, Mesopotamia, and South Caucasus). This approach allows us to identify regionalised patterns in population and climate trends. The results suggest a clear relationship between population and climate in the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene (14,000–8326 cal. yr. BP) with population increasing in concomitance with wetter climatic conditions. During the Middle Holocene (8326-4200 cal. yr. BP) there is an increased regionalisation of demographic patterns, followed by marked interregional contrasts in the Late Holocene (4200-2500 cal. yr. BP). We identify a decoupling of demographic and climatic trends from the Middle Holocene onwards, and relate this to the existence of more complex societies. These were less vulnerable to gradual climatic shifts due to their logistical infrastructure, social organisation and technological capacity. We also assess the impact of five Rapid Climate Changes (RCC) which occurred during the study period on population levels. Although all five RCC (the so-called 10.2 k, 9.2 k, 8.2 k, 4.2 k, and 3.2 k cal. yr. BP events) are visible to some degree in our palaeoclimatic and demographic proxies, there are marked regional variations in magnitude and duration.

Identify the Archaeological Research of Thatta District Through Geo-Spatial Technologies: A Case Study of Makli Graveyard and Banbhore Fort

Archaeological studies with the help of geographic information systems and remote sensing have been used in temporal, spatial, regional analysis and to investigate traditional and historical ways of human life. Remote sensing alludes to a wide variety of high-technology methods for collecting data pertaining to the physical or chemical properties of an archaeological site survey. The aim of this study is to identify the archaeological site of Makli graveyard and Banbhore fort through satellite images and explore the major land cover patterns on the southern part of Sindh province using geospatial technologies. Additional goals are to evaluate and visualize the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the southern part of Sindh province. A landsat-8 OLI / TIRS of 20th December 2014 and a DEM image were used to classify land cover and artifacts at the site. The result indicates that historical monuments at Makli, and Banbhore fort, Thatta testify in an outstanding manner, to the civilization of the Sindh region. geographically, its location is vulnerable around the river. Banbhore has survived such threats and continued to flourish as the only and most important port of Sindh.

Оценка перспектив применения магниторазведки для изучения археологических памятников

Purpose. Magnetometry is currently the most popular geophysical technique used for archaeology. The current task for optimization and development of archaeological and geophysical research is to assess the prospects of magnetic exploration within the territory of archaeological sites. In order to develop this subject, the article analyses the experience of archaeological and geophysical works carried out in the Ob-Irtysh interfluves. The research was conducted within the framework of cooperation between the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography and the Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Results. Conclusions are made on the basis of comparison of magnetic mapping data, excavation test and measurements of magnetic properties of different soils. The source base includes 30 archaeological sites. There are proposed recommendations for magnetic survey in the presence of interference of various types. The conclusion confirms that the main cause of anomalies over archaeological objects is the ingress of a more magnetic soil in the depths surrounding it. Magnetic survey was found to be effective for archaeological sites, where the contrast of soils and underlying blanket deposits by magnetic susceptibility is no less than 20–30 · 10–5 SI units. It is observed that zones of magnetic properties with high contrast are linked to areas with hills. Conclusion. The achieved results will allow determine the prospects of magnetic survey of archaeological sites of the Ob-Irtysh interfluves. The technique used to estimate magnetic properties is universal, however it will differ between regions due to magnetic properties of the soils. In order to increase the efficiency of archaeological and geophysical works, the geography of such research needs to be expanded.

Mediterranean landscape change during the Holocene: Synthesis, comparison and regional trends in population, land cover and climate

This synthesis paper offers a comparative perspective on how seven different Mediterranean regions, from Iberia and Morocco to the Levant, have been transformed by human and natural agencies during the past 10 millennia. It draws on a range of data sources: notably (1) archaeological site surveys ( n = 32,000) and 14C dates ( n = 12,000) as proxies for long-term population change, (2) pollen records as a proxy for past vegetation and land cover ( n = 253) and (3) proxies, such as stable isotopes, from lake, cave and marine records as indicators of hydro-climate ( n = 47). Where possible, these data sets have been made spatially and temporally congruent in order to examine relationships between them statistically and graphically. Data have been aggregated or averaged for each region/sub-region and put into 200-year time windows. Archaeo-demographic data show a clear increase at the start of Neolithic farming, followed by a series of regionally asynchronous fluctuations in population, prior to a pan-Mediterranean Roman settlement maximum. Pollen data indicate a late-Holocene decline in %Arboreal Pollen in those regions that were initially well wooded, but not in drier regions of the southern/eastern Mediterranean. Overall, the clearest palynological proxy for human land cover change is provided by the OJCV (tree crop) index. The cultivation of these trees in the eastern Mediterranean after 6500 cal. yr BP may have been an adaptive response to mid-Holocene climatic desiccation. These anthropogenic pollen indicators correlate more closely with trends in population than with regional hydro-climatic z scores, implying that they reflect primarily human activities. During the mid Holocene, most Mediterranean landscapes were transformed by a combination of climate and rural land use, but after ~3500 cal. yr BP, human actions became increasingly dominant in determining land cover. During the past 1500 years, the dominant landscape trajectory in the eastern Mediterranean was markedly different to that in the central/western Mediterranean.

Long-term trends of land use and demography in Greece: A comparative study

This paper offers a comparative study of land use and demographic development in northern and southern Greece from the Neolithic to the Byzantine period. Results from summed probability densities (SPD) of archaeological radiocarbon dates and settlement numbers derived from archaeological site surveys are combined with results from cluster-based analysis of published pollen core assemblages to offer an integrated view of human pressure on the Greek landscape through time. We demonstrate that SPDs offer a useful approach to outline differences between regions and a useful complement to archaeological site surveys, evaluated here especially for the onset of the Neolithic and for the Final Neolithic (FN)/Early Bronze Age (EBA) transition. Pollen analysis highlight differences in vegetation between the two sub-regions, but also several parallel changes. The comparison of land cover dynamics between two sub-regions of Greece further demonstrates the significance of the bioclimatic conditions of core locations and that apparent oppositions between regions may in fact be two sides of the same coin in terms of socio-ecological trajectories. We also assess the balance between anthropogenic and climate-related impacts on vegetation and suggest that climatic variability was as an important factor for vegetation regrowth. Finally, our evidence suggests that the impact of humans on land cover is amplified from the Late Bronze Age (LBA) onwards as more extensive herding and agricultural practices are introduced.

Результаты обследования археологических памятников в Нижнем Приобье

Результаты обследования археологических памятников в Нижнем Приобье