Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Danese, Dario Gioia, Valentino Vitale, Nicodemo Abate, Antonio Minervino Amodio, Rosa Lasaponara, Nicola Masini
Summary: Illegal archaeological excavations, also known as looting, cause significant damage to cultural heritage sites. Remote sensing techniques, particularly LiDAR, have proven to be effective tools for the detection and monitoring of looting, especially in densely vegetated areas. This paper presents an ad hoc approach using LiDAR data to detect looting, and tests its efficacy on the Etruscan site of San Giovenale in Italy, showing a high success rate of 85-95%.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Luca Di Angelo, Paolo Di Stefano, Emanuele Guardiani, Anna Eva Morabito
Summary: This paper emphasizes the importance of using quantitative methods with 3D digital data to optimize the archaeological restoration process. It also introduces a method to automatically decompose ancient artifacts into archaeological features and utilizes a structured database for querying information to facilitate comparisons and enhance archaeological knowledge.
Article
Environmental Studies
Juan Francisco Alvarez Tortosa, Francisco Javier Catalan Gonzalez, Daniel Mateo Corredor, Manuel Ruiz Barroso, Jaime Molina Vidal
Summary: Geophysical surveys have revealed the urban structure of the central core of the Portus Ilicitanus, including warehouses, houses, open spaces, and decantation basins, confirming the possibility that this location is the ancient port of Ilici.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Nicole D. Payntar
Summary: The destruction of archaeological sites and landscapes is a global concern, and understanding the drivers of this destruction is crucial. This study uses a novel approach by integrating archaeological site destruction within land change science and applying machine learning techniques to assess the remaining historical archaeological landscapes in Peru's lower Moche Valley. The results highlight the significant loss of archaeological sites and the role of population growth, migration, government policies, and heritage values in driving land use changes.
ACM JOURNAL ON COMPUTING AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Debora L. Soares
Summary: This article proposes a multitemporal approach to the study of archaeological ceramics in the Peruvian North Coast through archaeological ethnography. It explores the rich significance of archaeological ceramics in the rituals of curanderos and huaqueo practice, reflecting complex relationships among different worlds and participants.
JOURNAL OF SOCIAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mehmet Karaucak, Daniel Steiniger, Nikolaus Boroffka
Summary: The conflict-ridden recent history in Afghanistan has made it difficult to launch major archaeological projects and advanced field research in the past forty years. However, the increasing availability of satellite imagery and remote sensing methods have provided much-needed impetus for documentation and monitoring of the heritage in Afghanistan. Novel site data obtained through publicly available satellite imagery in the southwestern region of Kandahar include cultural heritage such as settlement mounds, architectural remains, religious monuments, fortresses, and traditional water management systems. The advantages and drawbacks of remote sensing surveys for archaeological research in Afghanistan are discussed, with the shared data for further research and cultural heritage management in the region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raghda El-Behaedi
Summary: This study utilizes high-resolution satellite imagery to identify and delineate previously unknown subsurface archaeological structures at the ancient Egyptian site of Hermopolis. The use of spectral indices and 3D modeling techniques greatly contributes to the protection and research of archaeological sites.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Florian Thiery, Jonas Veller, Laura Raddatz, Louise Rokohl, Frank Boochs, Allard. W. W. Mees
Summary: In this paper, the applications of Artificial Intelligence techniques, including Decision Trees and Semantic Reasoning, are introduced for semi-automatic and semantic-model-based decision-making in archaeological feature comparisons. The specific focus is on Roman African Red Slip Ware (ARS) and the ARS collection at the LEIZA archaeological research institute. The main challenge lies in creating a Digital Twin of the ARS objects and artifacts using geometric capturing and semantic modeling of archaeological information. Through showcasing and discussing three use cases, a comprehensive strategy and application for comparing these features on Roman ceramics using both geometrical and archaeological aspects with a comprehensible rule set is presented and concluded.
ISPRS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GEO-INFORMATION
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Daniel H. Sandweiss, Kirk A. Maasch
Summary: The archaeological site complexes in the Lambayeque Valley demonstrate that the relationship between climate and cultural change is not absolute, urging caution in over-interpreting the impact of climate on culture.
Article
Linguistics
Matthias Urban
Summary: Interdisciplinary research in Northern Peru reveals that there is not always a one-to-one correspondence between archaeological cultures and linguistic divisions, providing complementary perspectives. Differences in language and cultural expression may indicate diverse preHispanic social, ethnic, or political identities and allegiances.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Rocio Lopez de la Lama, Santiago Puente, Juan Carlos Sueiro, Kai M. A. Chan
Summary: The paper examines the cultural contributions and historical significance of small-scale fisheries in Peru, highlighting the ancient and crucial interactions between coastal dwellers and marine ecosystems, which have played a key role in societal transformation and development.
Article
Archaeology
Adnan Rashid Mamo, Ismael M. Ibraheem, Amal Al Kassem, Ahmed Al-Khalil, Kristen Hopper
Summary: This article assesses the impact of the Syrian conflict on archaeological sites in Al-Hasakah Governorate by analyzing satellite images. It examines the condition of 340 archaeological sites and compares the results with previous assessments. The study provides a more comprehensive assessment of the timing and types of damage specific to the Al-Hasakah region.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Federico Zaina, Yasaman Nabati Mazloumi
Summary: Through a case study, different types of risks and damages to archaeological sites were classified and analyzed in terms of their impacts. The study revealed that natural hazards, looting, and violent destruction have more severe consequences on cultural heritage, and distinguished between continuous hidden risks and short-lived explicit risks.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROSPECTION
(2021)
Article
Archaeology
Erkan Fidan
Summary: The EKAR project, ongoing since 2017, aims to conduct comprehensive research on large settlements using modern techniques to clarify archaeological problems and chronological gaps in the prehistoric periods of the region. The project combines geo-archaeological and geophysical methods with traditional archaeological research methods, revealing settlement patterns and historical events from the Early Bronze Age in the studied area.
MEDITERRANEAN ARCHAEOLOGY & ARCHAEOMETRY
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nicola Masini, Rosa Lasaponara
Summary: Looting is a major risk factor for archaeological heritage, causing the destruction of stratigraphic data and cultural context. The use of technologies like Earth Observation and image processing can help identify looted areas and establish effective monitoring strategies. This study applied a remote sensing and close range sensing approach to detect looting features at the Inca settlement of Paredones in Southern Peru. An automatic algorithm named ALFEA was utilized, along with spatial autocorrelation statistics and segmentation techniques.
2022 IEEE MEDITERRANEAN AND MIDDLE-EAST GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING SYMPOSIUM (M2GARSS)
(2022)
Article
Architecture
M. Sileo, F. T. Gizzi, A. Donvito, R. Lasaponara, F. Fiore, N. Masini
Summary: This paper presents a spatial and temporal multi-scale method applied to a rupestrian church in Matera to protect precious wall paintings by monitoring the relationships between indoor and outdoor environmental parameters.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rosa Lasaponara, Nicodemo Abate, Nicola Masini
Summary: This letter assesses the potential applications and challenges of using open and free cloud resources to process big satellite data in the field of archaeological research. The study demonstrates the capability of multitemporal Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2 data sets in detecting buried archaeological remains related to the ancient Via Appia road. The results show that utilizing cloud platforms and satellite data can effectively support archaeological research.
IEEE GEOSCIENCE AND REMOTE SENSING LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Salvatore Ivo Giano, Eva Pescatore, Marilisa Biscione, Nicola Masini, Mario Bentivenga
Summary: Knowledge and management of areas with various cultural and natural assets present both challenges and opportunities, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to address. Through scientific cooperation and communication, a deeper understanding of territorial characteristics can be achieved, leading to effective geoconservation efforts.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Giovanni Leucci, Lara De Giorgi, Immacolata Ditaranto, Ilaria Miccoli, Giuseppe Scardozzi
Summary: This paper presents the results of geophysical surveys conducted in Ugento, specifically in the St. Antonio area and the Medieval Castle. The aim of this study is to support archaeological investigations by integrating the data obtained from Ground-Penetrating Radar and Electrical Resistivity Tomography surveys. The results provide valuable information for the elaboration of a detailed archaeological map of the Messapian, Roman, and Medieval settlement, and offer insights into the ancient structures and geological characteristics of the site.
EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nabil Bachagha, Wenbin Xu, Xingjun Luo, Nicola Masini, Mondher Brahmi, Xinyuan Wang, Fatma Souei, Rosa Lasaponora
Summary: The availability of high-resolution satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data has attracted the attention of scientists and archeologists. This research explores the potential of using a novel method (nonlocal-SAR) to detect buried archeological remains in steep terrain. The study confirms the capability of SAR data to reveal unknown archeological sites.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Danese, Dario Gioia, Valentino Vitale, Nicodemo Abate, Antonio Minervino Amodio, Rosa Lasaponara, Nicola Masini
Summary: Illegal archaeological excavations, also known as looting, cause significant damage to cultural heritage sites. Remote sensing techniques, particularly LiDAR, have proven to be effective tools for the detection and monitoring of looting, especially in densely vegetated areas. This paper presents an ad hoc approach using LiDAR data to detect looting, and tests its efficacy on the Etruscan site of San Giovenale in Italy, showing a high success rate of 85-95%.
Article
Environmental Studies
Nicodemo Abate, Diego Ronchi, Valentino Vitale, Nicola Masini, Andrea Angelini, Francesco Giuri, Antonio Minervino Amodio, Andrea Maria Gennaro, Daniele Ferdani
Summary: This paper explores the potential of using integrated methods such as aerial LiDAR, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, and archaeological survey to detect lost medieval settlements under canopy. The study focused on the site of Altanum in Italy, which was completely covered by vegetation. A comprehensive survey using LiDAR was conducted, followed by enhancement techniques and documentation of visible buildings using photogrammetry and laser scanning. The significant outcome was the creation of a GIS platform that integrated all data to delineate the settlement layout and produce datasets for knowledge and protection purposes.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
L. De Giorgi, D. F. Barbolla, F. Comisi, C. Torre, G. Leucci
Summary: The condition of the wood structure and its components should be recorded before taking any action. The diagnosis of wood structures in heritage should come before any intervention. It is important to know the construction, decay condition, and causes, as well as any damage or structural failure. The diagnosis should be based on non-destructive testing and, if needed, laboratory testing. Water is a major cause of wood decay. Ground-penetrating radar and time domain reflectometry were used in this study to estimate the water content of different types of wood based on its dielectric permittivity. The results were applied to case studies of the Cathedral of Foggia and the Castle of Carosino.
EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Leucci, Lara De Giorgi, Ivan Ferrari, Francesco Giuri, Lucrezia Longhitano, Alberto Felici, Cristiano Riminesi
Summary: The Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence, built in 1268, was consecrated in 1422. After a fire in 1771, it was mostly destroyed except for the Corsini and Brancacci chapels. The church was reconstructed by architect Giuseppe Ruggeri and completed in 1782, with the unfinished gabled facade still visible today. Geophysical investigations were conducted on the Brancacci chapel to study the structure of the wall paintings and formulate hypotheses on their detachment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Leucci, Ilaria Miccoli, Dora Francesca Barbolla, Lara De Giorgi, Ivan Ferrari, Francesco Giuri, Giuseppe Scardozzi
Summary: The Castle of Melfi, located on a hilltop, has undergone modifications and expansions over time. It was initially built during the Norman era, expanded under Frederick II, and further altered during the Angevin and Aragonese reigns. Ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography surveys were conducted in different areas of the castle to identify ancient buried structures and compare the results.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Antonio Minervino Amodio, Dario Gioia, Maria Danese, Nicola Masini, Canio Alfieri Sabia
Summary: Land use and land cover play a significant role in soil erosion and sediment yield. Researching the past using historical maps can help us understand the future landscape changes, which is hindered by the lack of historical information. To address this, we combined an old paper map, aerial photos, and orthophotos to study land-use history and landscape dynamics, focusing on a segment of the Roman route Via Herculia in Italy. Three land-use scenarios were analyzed for different periods, and a soil erosion model was applied to assess the changes in erosion and sediment deposition. The results indicate an increase in erosion and deposition from 1870-1974, followed by a decrease from 1974-2013.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Lara De Giorgi, Dora Francesca Barbolla, Ivan Ferrari, Francesco Giuri, Chiara Torre, Giovanni Leucci
Summary: The church of Santa Chiara and its adjacent convent in Nardo, Italy, have a long history dating back to the 13th century. The current church was built in the 17th and 18th centuries under the guidance of Bishop Orazio Fortunato. Recent geophysical investigations using electromagnetic, electrical resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar methods revealed anomalies indicating the presence of structures that may have archaeological significance.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Nicodemo Abate, D. Roubis, F. Sogliani, V. Vitale, M. Sileo, P. Arzu, R. Lasaponara, N. Masini
Summary: This study utilized multiscale and multisensor remote sensing techniques combined with big data analysis to identify buried archaeological remains or areas of potential archaeological interest. Multiple types of remote sensing data, such as satellite multispectral data, drone-based imagery, and geophysical prospecting, were utilized. The analysis provided insights into the ancient landscape as well as the discovery of small features, contributing to a deeper understanding of the ancient city of Metaponto in southern Italy.
EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luciano Telesca, Michele Lovallo, Gianfranco Cardettini, Angelo Aromando, Nicodemo Abate, Monica Proto, Antonio Loperte, Nicola Masini, Rosa Lasaponara
Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) and the Fisher-Shannon method in analyzing NDVI MODIS time series and capturing and estimating inner vegetation anomalies in forest covers. The results showed that using SSA and Fisher-Shannon methods, combined with the NDVI time series of the MODIS satellite, effectively identified and characterized subtle but physically significant signals masked by seasonality and annual cycles.
Article
Remote Sensing
Fulong Chen, Huadong Guo, Deodato Tapete, Francesca Cigna, Salvatore Piro, Rosa Lasaponara, Nicola Masini
Summary: This paper reviews the development of imaging radar technology and analyzes its performance and limitations in the field of cultural heritage monitoring and management. It proposes a flexible solution for the integration of imaging radar in cultural heritage through pilot synergy applications in archaeological prospection and cultural heritage diagnosis and conservation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Julia Becher, Alex Schoeman, Gavin Whitelaw, Stephen Buckley, Jean-Pierre Celliers, Sara Cafisso, Matthias Belser, Maxime Rageot, Cynthianne Spiteri
Summary: This study represents the first application of Organic Residue Analysis (ORA) to southern African early farming pottery to gain a deeper understanding of past human behavior and subsistence patterns. The study found evidence of dairy processing and multi-purpose functionality of the ceramics. It also discovered potential medicinal use and the involvement of dung in pottery sealing and mending.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Jon Clindaniel, Matthew Magnani
Summary: Large sources of digital trace data have become important in the study of material culture. The authors introduce a computational method to observe digital formation processes and highlight the importance of accounting for these processes in studies utilizing digital trace data.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Rebecca A. G. Reid, Miranda M. E. Jans, Lesley A. Chesson, Rebecca J. Taylor, Gregory E. Berg
Summary: Chemical treatment of skeletal remains can reduce overall DNA quality and quantity but has no significant impact on stable isotope ratio analysis. Examination of treated and untreated human remains through histological and stable isotope analysis reveals that treated remains exhibit better preservation compared to untreated remains. Stable isotope ratio analysis is viable for both treated and untreated remains, regardless of their origin.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Anthropology
Laura Tome, Eneko Iriartec, Antonio Blanco-Gonzalez, Margarita Jambrina-Enriquez, Natalia Eguez, Antonio V. Herrera-Herrera, Carolina Mallola
Summary: This paper presents the outcomes of a microcontextual geoarchaeological study conducted on earthen dwellings from the Early Iron Age village of Cerro de San Vicente. The study employed soil micromorphology, lipid biomarker analysis, XRD, and XRF analyses to investigate various aspects of the dwellings, including construction materials, site formation processes, and daily life practices. The results have shed light on the construction layers, floor use, maintenance, repaving, periods of abandonment and decay, and the presence of lipid biomarkers associated with dwelling functionality. The study significantly contributes to our understanding of ancient construction practices and the utilization of domestic spaces during the Early Iron Age.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2024)