You are surveying in the Near East for archaeological sites, and come upon several artifacts on the ground surface. Historical documents suggest there was once a temple in this area. You think you have found the site. Because of the sacred nature of the site, you decide to excavate the least amount possible and thus want to know where the temple lies before getting out the shovels. How might you map the site without excavating it?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ground penetrating radar and aerial photography are both non-invasive methods that can be used to detect underground or otherwise obscured structures without the need for excavation. Ground penetrating radar can provide detailed images of what lies beneath the surface, potentially revealing the walls of the temple. Aerial photography, especially when conditions are right (e.g., low sun angle revealing subtle topographic features or differences in vegetation health), can also reveal the outline of buried structures. The choice between these methods would depend on the specific conditions of the site, such as the depth of the remains, the type of soil, and the availability of technology. Random sampling with test pits (C) involves excavation and thus does not meet the criterion of minimizing disturbance to the site.

You Are Surveying in the near East for Archaeological Sites