COMBINING GEOPHYSICAL AND SPATIAL DATA TO LOCATE EXCAVATION SITES

By combining data collected via geophysical techniques like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electro Resistivity Tomography (ERT), with spatial data collected via field mapping, air photo interpretation, remote sensing and Geographic Positioning Systems (GPS), high probability archaeological excavation targets can be pinpointed. This combined approach leads to a much higher success rate for placing excavation grids over archaeological remains. This methodology is a main component in the research designs for projects in Rhodes Greece, Vilnius Lithuania, and Nazareth Israel. Research using this methodology at the Kahal Shalom and Kahal Grande Synagogues, and the Grand Masters Palace in Rhodes has shown that there are older, potentially archaeologically significant remains underlying contemporary surface materials. In Vilnius, using this methodology at the Great Synagogue assisted with the excavation of a portion of the mikveh (ritual bath). In the Ponar Forest, a burial pit was discovered which contains the ashes of Jews murdered in the forest during the Holocaust, and at the Rasu Street Prison a grave was located and excavated that potentially contains the remains of an important Holocaust-era figure. In Nazareth, at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, utilizing this methodology assisted with the discovery of a 4^th century (AD) mosaic floor, which may be one of the earliest features discovered that is associated with Christianity. These discoveries draw focus to how spatial data, combined with geophysical data can facilitate targeted excavations. Utilizing this methodology decreases excavation costs by eliminating the need to excavate in areas that do not contain archaeological remains, and maximizes the potential for discovery.