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Geophysical survey at Late Bronze Age fortresses: comparing methods in the diverse geological contexts of Armenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 April 2015

Ian Lindsay ,
Jeffrey Leon ,
Adam T. Smith  and
Conner Wiktorowicz
Ian Lindsay*
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA (Email: [email protected]; [email protected])
Jeffrey Leon
Affiliation:
Department of Classics, 120 Goldwin Smith Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA (Email: [email protected])
Adam T. Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, 261 McGraw Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA (Email: [email protected])
Conner Wiktorowicz
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Purdue University, 700 West State Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA (Email: [email protected]; [email protected])
*
*Author for correspondence
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Abstract

Geophysical techniques now available to archaeology have the potential to provide large-scale survey data that can map the buried structures of extensive and complex sites. Recent work at two Late Bronze Age hilltop fortresses in the mountainous volcanic terrain of Armenia provides an excellent illustration of their potential. Magnetometry revealed an unknown residential complex at Tsaghkahovit. Across the plain at Gegharot, where magnetometry was less successful, ground-penetrating radar identified terracing extending down the western slope of the hill below the fortress, greatly increasing the size of the occupied area. Combined with targeted excavations, these geophysical approaches are providing novel insights into the unusual political relations between fortress-based sovereigns and mobile subjects in central Armenia.

Keywords

ArmeniaTsaghkahovitGegharotLate Bronze Agegeophysicsmagnetometryground-penetrating radarhighland fortresses
Type
Method
Information
Antiquity , Volume 88 , Issue 340 , 01 June 2014 , pp. 578 - 595
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2014 

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