Marea/Northern Hawwariya in northern Egypt: Integrated results of non‐invasive and excavation works

Abstract

Marea/Northern Hawwariya is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites dating between the 3rd century BC and the 8th century AD located at Lake Mareotis in northern Egypt. Even though excavations have been carried out since the end of the 1970s, the settlement is still largely unexplored. To rectify this situation, non-invasive research has been carried out on 21.5 ha of the site using a precise positioning system and magnetometer measurements. Exact topographic and magnetic maps were prepared based on the data that were obtained.Simultaneously, verification research were carried out, including archaeological excavations, registering surface findings and satellite image analysis. In the southeastern part of the site, electrical resistivity measurements were taken as well. This approach allowed for the identification of the densely built areas of the Byzantine and Early Islamic town. On the south-western side, some magnetic anomalies were registered, following regular patterns with clear linear borders and surrounded by wetlands without clear signs of habitation. On the northern side, the settlement was limited by an artificial coastline, forming straight waterfronts made of stone blocks. As for the town itself, a 260-m street with adjacent regular built-up areas was discovered. This regularity points to an order of planning, at least for the Byzantine part of the settlement. Recording of large amplitude magnetic anomalies proves the presence of heavily burnt objects. They may be interpreted as remains of kilns, perhaps used to manufacture amphorae, glass vessels and lime. Electrical resistivity measurements in the south-eastern part of the site localized cavities in the natural limestone rock uplift. These may have been rock-cut tombs. Multidisciplinary, non-invasive research in Marea/Northern Hawwariya allowed for the quick generation of new knowledge on the topography of the site, significantly enriching information on its form and the functions of its various parts.

Geophysical surveying in Egypt: periodical report for 2021–2022

“…Local limestone was the principal building material, with only occasional use of fired brick. Magnetic prospection and a topographic survey carried out over the past ten years have yielded an approximate town plan, point-checked only to a small degree by archaeological excavations ongoing since the mid-20th century (Derda et al 2021). The general street network and various urban quarters were mapped using a cesium magnetometer and measuring the total magnetic field intensity.…”

Marea: a swan song of ancient urban planning

“…This research has made it possible to identify magnetic anomalies indicating the extent of a dense urban area without defensive walls (Derda et al . 2021). These activities were accompanied by topographical survey and making plans of architectural surface remains.…”