Three‐dimensional modelling of a pre‐Aksumite settlement at the archaeological site of Seglamen, Aksum, northern Ethiopia using integrated geophysical techniques

Abstract

Abstract This geophysical study is part of a multidisciplinary archaeological research project designed to provide the framework for the reconstruction of the cultural and environmental history of the region to the southwest of Aksum and for the production of a detailed archaeological map for the cultural heritage management of central Tigray. Seglamen, near Aksum in north Ethiopia, an area of about 70 000 m 2 , is dated from the early to mid‐first millennium bce and has been detected and excavated since 2010 by the Italian Archaeological Expedition of the University of Naples “L'Orientale”. An objective of this study was to develop a geophysical model that defines the archaeological context of a multilayered archaeological site. In doing so, it was also aimed at guiding future excavations operated by archaeologists on the site, thereby assess the geophysical techniques that work well in this area and make recommendations to several archaeological research projects that have been operating at and around Aksum, with similar archaeological context. Magnetic and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) techniques were employed. The magnetic reconnaissance survey carried out at 2 m station spacing and 5 m line spacing covering the area and has outlined for further detailed investigation localized anomalies for the ERT. Detailed ERT survey was conducted on a rectangular grid of 21.75 × 44.25 m 2 with 0.75 m unit electrode spacing and 0.75 m line spacing. It has yielded two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) electrical resistivity sections of the surveyed area. From combined interpretation of the magnetic and electrical imaging survey data, it was possible to delineate localized anomalous zones that could be associated with the existence of subsurface features of archeological interest. Interpreted stone‐based walls were validated through test excavations that revealed well preserved and collapsed walls. These cultural structures are sometimes located at depths of about 20 cm so there is a high possibility of destruction by farming activities of local farmers; ultimately, we would urge conservation work in this area.

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Identifiers

DOI

10.1002/arp.1705

Journal

Archaeological Prospection

Year

2018