Archaeological geophysical survey of a Prehistoric Bronze Age site in Cyprus (Alambra Mouttes)—applications and limitations

Abstract

The University of Queensland Alambra Archaeological Mission (UQAAM) conducted a program of geophysical survey and archaeological excavation over four seasons from 2012 to 2016. This program has allowed this study to compile a large array of geophysical data, which has been tested against actual excavation results. By integrating the two forms of archaeological investigation, the UQAAM has been able to identify geophysical 'signatures' diagnostic and indicative of internal architectural features relating to the Cypriot Prehistoric Bronze Age (c2400-1750BC). This is the first time internal features have been identified using these techniques on a Middle Bronze Age site in Cyprus. The program has also identified two, and possibly four, areas of domestic settlement. This has yielded results that are of considerable value to cultural heritage managers of the site, which is experiencing development pressures. While identifying several constraints with the geophysical survey for the Prehistoric Bronze Age in Cyprus, the program has demonstrated the efficacy of a combined geophysical survey and excavation approach to sites of the Early-Middle Bronze Age period.

Shifting Centres: Site Location and Resource Procurement on the North Coast of Cyprus over the Longue Durée of the Prehistoric Bronze Age

“…The focus here has been on the north of the island. Elsewhere, there is increasing evidence for workshop production of metal, pottery, textiles, perfume, oils, and perhaps beer [67] (p. 217), [108,[151][152][153][154], suggesting a similar targeted use of the landscape and its resources and a significant degree of mobility in the volume and flow of goods and information within regional and perhaps inter-regional networks. While we may not be able to trace in detail the transformation from egalitarian villages to communities with surplus accumulation (see [155,156]), we can argue for the interdependence of settlements within networks maintained through regular contacts and the movement of people and goods.…”

“…It was occupied already in the Philia EC period, but grew rapidly in the MBA when burial evidence suggests a massive upsurge in population that could not have been achieved by natural increase alone (estimates of the MBA mortuary population range from 9000 to 20,000, see [76]) (pp. [152][153][154]. It is well-positioned to have served as a broker/trans-shipment point both on a north/south route through the Agirdha Pass and east/west along the Ovgos Valley, as well as an agricultural production centre and perhaps an organisational outpost.…”

Ground Penetrating Radar Survey of the UNESCO Painted Churches in the Troodos Region (Cyprus)

“…It was anticipated that the collection of GPR data may be hindered by the soil of the Troodos region which is known to be clay-rich with substantial rubble inclusions, characteristics also found elsewhere on the island of Cyprus [10][11][12]. There was also known to be significant moisture content due to the presence of clay.…”

Central Places and Un-Central Landscapes

“…Neustupný suggested that the remains of settlement activities by individual prehistoric communities accumulated within the original 'settlement areas' with various functions [32] (pp. [154][155]. The principles that make community area different to settlement chamber theory is that the former relies mostly on environmental factors (e.g., land fertility, water sources and natural paths) to define settlement chambers, while the latter includes historical and social variables to define community areas [27] (pp.…”

“…Thus, landscape is not perceived as "a geographical unit, but the relic of a past social world" [32] (pp. [154][155]. This spatial and temporal 'continuity' in settlements within the same community area (at or beside the occupation of the previous phase, associated with specific environmental qualities and historical variables) does not necessarily denote ethnic or cultural continuity, which may appear or disappear along with material traces of human activity [14] (pp.…”