Between the 11th and the 21st December 2008 a geophysical survey was carried out on the site of the ancient city of Nikopolis (Epirus – Greece), founded in the late first century BC, and in its surrounding landscape. The archaeological potential of nine areas of interest was evaluated and the nature of present archaeology characterized. During the project, an area of approximately 49200 square meters was surveyed. The results of fluxgate magnetometer and earth resistance survey are presented within this book. Main results are the discovery of several archaeological features (probably roads and walls) within the walled city area, the discovery of adjacent buildings belonging to a bath complex situated north of the ancient city and the discovery of a road connecting the city with the stadium and the sacred grove in the northern suburb. The results are presented in the context of the research on Nikopolis. The role of geophysical prospection for the research on Roman urbanism is discussed as the general framework of the presented case study.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Chapter 1: Geographical Setting
- Geographical setting
- Geology
- Geomorphology
- Climate
- Topography of the city
- Chapter 2: Research on Nikopolis
- Chapter 3: Field Procedure
- Scientific principles
- Magnetometry
- Earth resistance survey
- Grids
- Sampling interval and instruments: Magnetometry
- Discussion of the equipment
- Sampling interval and instrument: Earth resistance survey
- Factors limiting the geophysical survey
- Chapter 4: Data Processing and Software
- Chapter 5: Survey Areas and Results
- Area 1
- Area 2
- Area 3
- Area 4
- Area 5
- Area 6
- Comparison with the data of the Dutch survey
- Area 7
- Area 8
- Area 9
- Chapter 6: The Role of Geophysical Prospection for the Research of Roman Urbanism
- Case studies
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this work is to present the results of a geophysical survey conducted at the ancient city of Nikopolis in Epirus, Greece. The survey aimed to evaluate the archaeological potential of nine areas of interest and characterize the existing archaeological features, informing a proposed "Master Plan" for the site's development into an archaeological park. The research uses magnetometry and earth resistance survey data to identify potential buried structures.
- Geophysical prospection techniques applied to Roman urban landscapes
- Archaeological investigation of Nikopolis, its urban fabric, and surrounding areas
- Comparison of geophysical survey results with existing archaeological knowledge of Nikopolis
- The role of geophysical prospection in informing site management and preservation strategies
- Analysis of the challenges and limitations of geophysical prospection in complex archaeological contexts
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: Geographical Setting: This chapter provides a detailed overview of the geographical, geological, geomorphological, and climatic conditions of Nikopolis and its surrounding region. It describes the city's location on the Preveza Peninsula, its geological formation within a graben system, and its asymmetrical valley topography. The chapter also discusses the local climate and its impact on the archaeological site. Finally, it provides a brief overview of the known archaeological remains of the Augustan and Byzantine city, setting the stage for the geophysical survey presented in subsequent chapters. The description of the known remains emphasizes the planned nature of the Augustan city and its later modification during the Byzantine era.
Chapter 2: Research on Nikopolis: This chapter details the history of archaeological research at Nikopolis, from early, often destructive, investigations by the French and others in the 18th and 19th centuries to modern, more scientifically rigorous approaches. It traces the evolution of research methodology from "treasure hunting" to systematic surveys and excavations, highlighting the contributions of various researchers and institutions. The chapter sets the context of the present geophysical survey within a broader chronological and methodological framework.
Chapter 3: Field Procedure: This chapter explains the methodology employed during the geophysical survey at Nikopolis. It outlines the principles of magnetometry and earth resistance surveys, detailing the instrumentation used, the survey grids established, and the sampling intervals chosen. The chapter also discusses the limitations of the geophysical methods in relation to factors such as the depth and characteristics of the archaeological features, background noise, and environmental conditions. The decision to prioritize data quality over speed in data acquisition is justified.
Chapter 4: Data Processing and Software: This chapter describes the data processing techniques and software used to analyze the results of the geophysical survey. It explains steps such as clipping, filtering, and interpolation, highlighting the importance of balancing data enhancement with the preservation of information. The use of Surfer 9 and ArcGIS 9.3 for data visualization and spatial analysis is explained. The authors carefully address the challenges involved in georeferencing the data in relation to existing CAD plans.
Chapter 5: Survey Areas and Results: This chapter presents the results of the geophysical survey conducted in nine different areas surrounding and within the ancient city of Nikopolis. For each area, it details the preconditions and expectations before the survey, presents the raw and processed data, and offers interpretations of the identified anomalies in the context of the site's known history and topography. The chapter meticulously analyzes the results of each survey, detailing both clear and ambiguous findings, discussing possible interpretations, and acknowledging the limitations of the data in each instance.
Chapter 6: The Role of Geophysical Prospection for the Research of Roman Urbanism: This chapter places the Nikopolis case study within a broader discussion of the application of geophysical prospection to the study of Roman urbanism. It reviews several significant case studies from various locations in the Roman world, comparing and contrasting the methodologies used and the results obtained. The chapter highlights the potential of geophysical methods to provide valuable insights into the planning, layout, and development of Roman towns, whilst acknowledging the limitations and challenges involved. Examples of both successful and less successful applications are presented, emphasizing the need for careful methodological consideration and interpretation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Nikopolis, geophysical prospection, magnetometry, earth resistance survey, Roman urbanism, landscape archaeology, ancient Greece, archaeological survey, data processing, site management, Byzantine archaeology.
Frequently Asked Questions: Geophysical Survey of Nikopolis
What is the main objective of this research?
The primary goal is to present the findings of a geophysical survey at the ancient city of Nikopolis in Epirus, Greece. This survey aimed to assess the archaeological potential of nine specific areas, characterize existing archaeological features, and inform a proposed "Master Plan" for developing the site into an archaeological park. The research utilizes magnetometry and earth resistance survey data to identify potentially buried structures.
What methodologies were used in this geophysical survey?
The study employed magnetometry and earth resistance surveys. The chapter detailing the field procedure outlines the principles of each method, the instrumentation used, the survey grids, sampling intervals, and limitations of the techniques. The challenges involved in georeferencing the data in relation to existing CAD plans are also addressed.
Which areas were surveyed at Nikopolis?
The geophysical survey encompassed nine distinct areas around and within the ancient city of Nikopolis. Chapter 5 details the results for each area, including pre-survey expectations, raw and processed data, and interpretations of identified anomalies within the context of the site's known history and topography.
What software and data processing techniques were applied?
The data analysis involved processes such as clipping, filtering, and interpolation. Surfer 9 and ArcGIS 9.3 were used for data visualization and spatial analysis. The chapter on data processing and software highlights the importance of balancing data enhancement with the preservation of information.
What is the historical context of the research on Nikopolis?
Chapter 2 provides a detailed history of archaeological research at Nikopolis, from early, often destructive methods, to modern, more scientifically rigorous approaches. It traces the evolution of research methodology and highlights the contributions of various researchers and institutions, placing the current geophysical survey within a broader chronological and methodological framework.
What is the geographical setting of Nikopolis?
Chapter 1 offers a comprehensive overview of the geographical, geological, geomorphological, and climatic conditions of Nikopolis and its surrounding region. It describes the city's location, geological formation, topography, and climate, and how these factors impact the archaeological site. The known archaeological remains of the Augustan and Byzantine city are also briefly summarized.
What role does geophysical prospection play in the study of Roman urbanism?
Chapter 6 expands on the Nikopolis case study by discussing the broader application of geophysical prospection to the study of Roman urbanism. It reviews significant case studies from across the Roman world, comparing methodologies and results. The chapter emphasizes the potential of geophysical methods for understanding the planning and development of Roman towns while acknowledging limitations and challenges.
What are the key themes and objectives of this research?
Key themes include geophysical prospection techniques applied to Roman urban landscapes, archaeological investigation of Nikopolis, comparison of geophysical survey results with existing knowledge, the role of geophysical prospection in site management, and analysis of the challenges and limitations of geophysical prospection in complex archaeological contexts. The main objective is to utilize geophysical data to inform the development of an archaeological park at Nikopolis.
What are the key findings of the survey in each of the nine areas?
Chapter 5 presents a detailed analysis of the results from each of the nine surveyed areas. It includes descriptions of the preconditions and expectations for each area, presents both raw and processed data, and offers interpretations of identified anomalies. The chapter acknowledges the limitations of the data in each instance, discussing both clear and ambiguous findings and offering possible interpretations.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Keywords include Nikopolis, geophysical prospection, magnetometry, earth resistance survey, Roman urbanism, landscape archaeology, ancient Greece, archaeological survey, data processing, site management, and Byzantine archaeology.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Michael Teichmann (Author), Konstantinos L. Zachos (Author), 2017, Recent research on Nikopolis, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/385902
