scholarly journals Morphology Detection in Archaeological Ancient Sites by Using UAVs/Drones Data and GIS techniques

2021 ◽  
pp. 4557-4570
Author(s):  
Abdalrahman R. Qubaa ◽  
Alaa N. Hamdon ◽  
Taha A. Al Jawwadi
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Northern Iraq ◽  
Gis Technologies ◽  
Ancient Society ◽  
Surface Models ◽  
Ancient Site ◽  
The City

    Today, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or Drones are a valuable source of data on inspection, surveillance, mapping and 3D modelling matters. Drones can be considered as the new alternative of classic manned aerial photography due to their low cost and high spatial resolution. In this study, drones were used to study archaeological sites. The archaeological Nineveh site, which is a very famous site located in heart of the city of Mosul, in northern Iraq, was chosen. This site was the largest capital of the Assyrian Empire 3000 years ago. The site contains an external wall that includes many gates, most of which were destroyed when Daesh occupied the city in 2014. The local population of the city of Mosul has also largely overtaken the central part of this archaeological site, while the northern and southern parts are still uninhabited. The awareness of the existence of unchanged surface and ground forms in the northern or southern parts led us to prepare an urgent study to interpret the outer surface of those parts and to analyze any discovery in the surface morphology. So, drone data and GIS technologies were used in this study to find any discovery that could aid in understanding the original surface of this ancient site. Visual and digital interpretations of satellite images, drone images, and Digital Surface Models (DSMs) were used to analyze and study the data. As a final result, certain morphological features were identified in the southern parts of the ancient site which could be a new archaeological and compositional discovery with reference to the earlier activities of the ancient society during the Assyrian empires, represented by the ditches and building lands used by the ancient inhabitants. Small modern tunnels penetrated the ancient wall were also discovered in addition, to a drainage canal and a motorway newly constructed during the occupation of the city that had penetrated the archaeological land.

The archaeological site of chellah, new technologies for investigation, modeling, and mapping.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iman el guertet ◽  
Abdellatif aarab ◽  
Abdelkader larabi ◽  
Mohammed Jemmal ◽  
Sabah benchekroun
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Electrical Tomography ◽  
Geophysical Investigation ◽  
Islamic Period ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Modern Technologies

<p>archaeological sites have been always a subject of curiosity and search, the archaeologists and scientists from different specialties have been wondering about the origins of the man civilization, about the way our forefathers lived, how they nourished, dressed, and housed themselves, what techniques were used for the transport, the fishing, and the business, about the culture and the spiritual practices. in fact, the modern technologies, practices, and innovations are only a continuation of what was once; this is why the human being believes it is imperative to revive and understand the heritage and to discover its secrets. in the present work which pours in the same direction, we decided to revive and explore a wealthy site located in rabat, the Moroccan capital, this site is named chellah, which represents the summing up of historical eras from the antiquity to the Islamic period and which is marked by the presence of antique and Islamic constructions which reflect this continuity. our research aims to build a model for the detection of areas that are not yet excavated but are already mentioned by archaeologists, geographers, and historians to validate their hypothesis and to find out where exactly these areas are located. our methodology is based on the processing of unmanned aerial vehicle<strong> (uav)</strong> images to generate high-resolution photogrammetric products with low cost, those datasets will be analyzed with a technique that has been in use since the '80s and which is using crop, soil, and shadow marks visualized on images taken by aerial photography. this analysis gave us the vision to select the zones on which a geophysical investigation by electrical tomography was carried out to approve the presence of the archeological components that require future excavation. our study focused on the importance of non-invasive methodologies for the study, preservation, and valorization of archaeological sites.</p>

The destruction and looting of cultural heritage sites by ISIS in Syria: The case of Manbij and its countryside

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-260
Author(s):  
Adnan Almohamad
Keyword(s):  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Documentary Evidence ◽  
Income Source ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Power Stations ◽  
Primary Documents ◽  
The Rich ◽  
The City

AbstractThe Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) occupied the city of Manbij and its countryside from 23 January 2014 until 12 August 2016. During this period, the region suffered greatly as ISIS monopolized control and brutally imposed its ideology. Fierce battles were fought for the control of oil wells, bakeries, mills, dams, and power stations, all of which were sources of revenue. Antiquities were soon recognized as another potential income source. This article demonstrates the ways in which ISIS began to administer and facilitate the looting of antiquities through the Diwan Al-Rikaz. Within this diwan, ISIS established the Qasmu Al-Athar, which was specifically responsible for looting antiquities. Based on interviews conducted in 2015 and primary documents, this article studies the specific ways in which ISIS facilitated the quarrying and looting of antiquities in Manbij and the rich archaeological sites of its countryside. Further, by examining the damage at a previously undocumented archaeological site, Meshrefet Anz, the looting of antiquities under the direct supervision of the Diwan Al-Rikaz is studied. Using documentary evidence including ISIS’s internal documentation as well as photographs collected by the author between 2014 and 2016, the article demonstrates the methods used by ISIS, reveals its financial motivations, and bears witness to the damage done at specific Syrian heritage sites.

scholarly journals Geoarchaeological Characterisation of Sites of Iberian and Roman Cordoba Using LiDAR Data Acquisitions

Geosciences ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Monterroso-Checa
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Information ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Lidar Data ◽  
National Geographic ◽  
Urban Structures ◽  
Surface Models ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Diachronic Analysis ◽  
The City ◽  
Historic Cities

The National Geographic Institute of Spain (IGN) carried out a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) flight for the entire region of Andalusia between 2013 and 2014, which completed the general LiDAR acquisitions obtained for all of Spain since 2010. Recently, successive updates of orthoimages of Spain and Andalusia have also been acquired. This geographic documentation allows several applications for the aerial detection of archaeological sites. In recent years, numerous discoveries have been made in Spain, especially in non-built-up areas located outside urban enclaves. Less attention, however, has been paid to the use of this geographical information in historic cities because, apparently, they do not preserve their historical micro relief. This study analyses the city of Cordoba (southern Spain) by processing LiDAR data of the Plan Nacional de Ortofotografía Aérea (PNOA-LiDAR). Digital Surface Models (DSM) obtained for the entire city, in combination with geological and archaeological records, provide evidence of the geomorphological reconstruction of the city in ancient times. Using Cordoba as an example, the main purpose of this article is to highlight the fact that LiDAR data are also useful for the diachronic analysis of ancient urban structures buried some metres deep in current historic cities.

scholarly journals A Low-Cost, Easy-Way Workflow for Multi-Scale Archaeological Features Detection Combining LiDAR and Aerial Orthophotography

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 4270
Author(s):  
Antonio J. Ortiz-Villarejo ◽  
Luís-M. Gutiérrez Soler
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Multi Scale ◽  
Internal Structures ◽  
Insurmountable Obstacle ◽  
A Site ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Town

The difficulty of obtaining funding often places the continuity of research projects at risk, forcing researchers to resort to low-cost methodologies. Such methodologies sometimes require a high degree of technical knowledge which, in many cases, poses an insurmountable obstacle to the development of a project. This article shows a low-cost, easy-way methodology for diachronically analysing terrain in search of archaeological evidence on different scales (micro and semi-micro) in both already known and new archaeological sites through the analysis of orthophotographs taken with UAVs, the DEMs generated from them, and public LiDAR data. It allows researchers with small budgets but with a basic knowledge of GIS and photogrammetry to undertake some aspects of their project without necessarily having to call on the assistance or support of specialists. Thanks to this methodology, the researcher will be able to continue until they are able to obtain the funding that will enable them to take their research further, with specialists. This article presents the first conclusions obtained after applying the proposed methodology at the Giribaile (Vilches, Spain) archaeological site—a site of interest in its territory which possibly functioned as an advance defensive post for the town, a hypothesis based on the towers and numerous internal structures that have been identified.

scholarly journals Photogrammetric Measurement of Erosion at the Sabbath Point Beothuk Site in Central Newfoundland, Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7555
Author(s):  
James Williamson ◽  
Ionut Cristi Nicu
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Elevation Models ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Archaeological Research ◽  
Grass Gis ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
Photogrammetric Measurement

Erosion at archaeological sites in Central Newfoundland, Canada is a major concern, which is compounded by the fact that there has been a dearth of archaeological research in this region. While more than 70 house pits are known, very few excavations have examined whole features in the Exploits River Valley (ERV), and the archaeology of many has not been examined yet. The aim of this study is to examine the rate of erosion at the Sabbath Point house pit, a recently recorded archaeological site, located on the bank of Red Indian Lake (RIL), and to describe a low-cost methodology for analysing site level bank changes. This site is particularly important, as it represents an example of a late Beothuk residential feature about lifeways practiced in this region. The surveys employed here were carried out using image-based modelling. GRASS GIS was used to measure the diachronic difference between bank edges. The Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) were then compared, and the differences were measured using a transect based method. The erosion measurement has shown that Sabbath Point is in danger of being completely eroded. This shows that a salvage excavation program covering the entire feature is necessary within the next few years, as the feature itself will begin to erode.

scholarly journals DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL E ARQUEOLOGIA DA PAISAGEM: O Sítio Arqueológico El Socorro, um Padrão Atípico Mesoamericano

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Pedro Jiménez Lara ◽  
Carlos Fabiano Marques de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Complex Analysis ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Contextual Approach ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
The City ◽  
Present Text ◽  
The Way

O presente texto surgiu como um desafio, a análise de um assentamento mesoamericano pré-hispânico, denominado El Socorro, localizado próximo a cidade de Tlacojalpan em Veracruz, México, região do Golfo da Mesoamerica. A realização de uma abordagem contextual dos sítios arqueológicos, numa perspectiva intra e extra sítio, num primeiro momento fazendo uso de ferramentas de geoprocessamento e de procedimentos topográficos com estação total. Optamos nesse texto utilizar como substrato para nossas observações e avaliação das imagens de satélite, desenhos topográficos e dados arqueológicos dos sítios pré-hispânicos uma abordagem centrada na arqueologia da paisagem para uma identificação em superficie mas ampla do sitio dentro do contexto regional e mesoamericano. Um analisis complexo por tratarse de um sitio excepcional pela distribuçao e forma como foi construído. SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND LANDSCAPE ARCHEOLOGY: The Socorro Archaeological Site, The El Socorro Archaeological Site, an Atypical Mesoamerican PatternABSTRACTThe present text appeared as a challenge, the analysis of a pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican settlement, named El Socorro, located near the city of Tlacojalpan in Veracruz, Mexico. region of the Gulf of Mesoamerica. The realization of a contextual approach of archaeological sites, in an intra and extra-site perspective, at first using geoprocessing tools and topographic procedures. We chose to use as substrate for our observations and evaluation of satellite images, topographical drawings and archaeological data of the prehispanic sites, an approach centered on landscape archeology for a broader surface identification of the site within the regional and Mesoamerican context. A complex analysis because it is an exceptional site for the distribution and the way it was buil.Keywords: El Socorro; Mesoamerica; Archaeological Site; Landscape 

Veii

Classics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Urban Sprawl ◽  
National Park ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
The West ◽  
The North ◽  
Ancient City ◽  
The Status ◽  
The City

The ancient city of Veii (in Italian, Veio) lies seventeen kilometers northwest of Rome and occupies a plateau of approximately 350 hectares, bounded by the rivers Valchetta (ancient Cremera) on the north and east and Piodoro on the west and south. The city had ample water and was naturally defensible, but sections of tufa walls remain, indicating that it was also fortified. Several major roads crossed the city and led toward other centers, such as Rome, Cerveteri, Tarquinia, Vulci, and Capena, via fortified gates. Impressive Etruscan-made drainage tunnels (cuniculi) flank and traverse the plateau. There is sporadic evidence of late Bronze Age settlements in the area, but it was during the Villanovan period, 9th and 8th centuries bce, that villages appeared on the plateau and on the citadel of Piazza d’Armi. A significant growth in population during the late 8th and 7th centuries bce resulted in urbanization. The strength and wealth of the city reached their peak in the 6th century bce, but by the late 5th century bce, conflicts with Rome weakened Veii, and it was finally taken after a ten-year siege in 396 bce by M. Fulvius Camillus. The triumph was sealed by the transfer of the principal cult of Juno Regina to Rome. Although Veii declined sharply after the Roman victory, some of the old popular sanctuaries continued to be frequented by the local population. In 2 bce the status of municipium was conferred on Veii by Augustus. By this time the city was falling into decay, although a small part of the Etruscan site continued to be inhabited, as evidenced by architectural fragments, sculptures (including one of Tiberius now in the Vatican Museum), and inscriptions. Once considered the richest city of the Etruscan League, Veii declined and was abandoned by the end of the 4th century ce. The plateau today is covered by fields, trees, and remnants of ancient structures. Principal among these is the archaeological site of the extra-urban Portonaccio Sanctuary. Etruscan necropolises and a few Roman tombs surround the city. Archaeological surveys continue to yield results such as the 2006 discovery of the early-7th-century Tomb of the Roaring Lions in the Grotta Gramiccia necropolis. In 1997, the Regional National Park of Veii (37,030 acres) was established to ensure the protection of the ancient city and its surroundings from the ravages of urban sprawl and illegal construction.

scholarly journals Was There a Pre-Roman Occupation in Coimbra, Portugal? The Contribution of Rua Fernandes Thomaz, 72–74 for Understanding Occupation of the Territory of Aeminium during the Transition from the Iron Age to the Roman Era

Heritage ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 184-206
Author(s):  
Jorge Pinho ◽  
Susana Henriques
Keyword(s):  
Iron Age ◽  
Morphological Analysis ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Second Century ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Roman Emperor ◽  
Estuary Mouth ◽  
Production Processes ◽  
The City ◽  
Age Studies

Iron Age studies are scarce for the city of Coimbra, besides the findings from the Machado Castro Museum, and therefore this intervention has revealed an important heritage collection. The recovered artefacts, which can be associated with the indigenous world, reveal regional parallels with Conimbriga, the Aeminium Forum and Lomba do Canho. There is clear evidence of region-wide homogenisation of pottery morphologies, surface treatments and production processes. A structure dated from the period of the Roman emperor Augustus aligned with the steep natural geological profile, with unobstructed views over the Mondego river, was found in the interior of a medieval defensive wall, making it possible to deconstruct the chronological periods of the locale, which is consistent with an Iron Age occupation, since at least the second century B.C. More importantly, it is necessary to understand the spatial contextualisation of this archaeological site through morphological analysis of the pottery in a local and regional context and comprehend the chronological hiatus and settlement between the archaeological sites located in the estuary mouth, from other sites found upstream along the Mondego river.

scholarly journals LOW COST TECHNIQUES FOR THE DIGITAL SURVEY OF A MINOAN ARCHITECTURE IN THE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF PHAISTOS (CRETE)

2019 ◽  
Vol XLII-2/W17 ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Aiello ◽  
F. Buscemi ◽  
G. D'Agostino ◽  
M. Galizia ◽  
P. Militello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
The South ◽  
Work Time ◽  
The Third ◽  
Digital Survey ◽  
Archeological Site

Abstract. The paper shows the results of an experimentation on the use of low cost tools such as action cameras for the photogrammetric surveying of relevant archaeological sites characterized by the presence of narrow and complex rooms. The archaeological site chosen for this experimentation is the South-Western Quarter, also known as Quartiere Levi, of the Minoan Palace of Phaistos (Crete), one of only two cases of buildings surviving up to the third floor in the Aegean world. The research foresaw the setting up of a pipeline aimed at obtaining a complete scaled, photorealistic and navigable 3D model, with a considerable economy in terms of work time and number of photographs. For this purpose, many efforts have been paid on solving all the issues related to the complexity of the site and on comparing the performances of traditional (Canon EOS 70D) and action (GoPro Black Hero 6) cameras as well as of two of the current most used software in the field.

scholarly journals HOW TO MANAGE AND ENHANCE ARCHEOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE AT THE ROYAL MAUSOLEUM OF MAURETANIA (TIPASA, ALGERIA)

2020 ◽  
Vol XLIV-M-1-2020 ◽  
pp. 513-520
Author(s):  
L. Benali Aoudia ◽  
D. Belkacemi Zebda
Keyword(s):  
Archaeological Site ◽  
The Other ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Archaeological Heritage ◽  
Specific Strategy ◽  
Territorial Planning ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Landscape Transformations ◽  
The City ◽  
Heritage Development

Abstract. Archaeological site and landscape are two interdependent and sometimes merged notions. The first should be taken into consideration to achieve coherent territorial planning that reveals and preserves the character and identity of a setting, while the second should be respected, protected and promoted in responsible projects of management and enhancement of archaeological sites. Dynamics of landscape transformations should closely consider the archaeological sites thereof and regard them as ingredients to emphasize rather than impediments to surmount. On the other hand, landscape should be conceived as valuable asset and a resource for archaeological heritage development. Based on these views, this paper develops a reflection on how the enhancement of both Archaeology and Landscape can be combined in the case of the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania set in the city of Tipasa, Algeria. It highlights the Tomb’s architectural and archaeological significance as well as the ecological, natural, symbolic and emotional values of its exceptional landscape. It proposes a specific strategy to conceive and develop this vestige in harmony with its landscape.

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