Geophysical Investigations at the Fortress of Aghia Maura in Lefkada (Greece) Revisited

Abstract

The aim of this research is to imagine the buried antiquities within the fortress of Aghia Maura, on the island of Lefkas in Greece, through the application of geophysical prospection methods. Resistance mapping was applied and reported here. The survey was carried out employing the twin probe array at the nodes of a 1-m grid established on the ground surface. After processing, grey scale maps were compiled showing more or less the ground view of the concealed architectural remains. These are presumably linear and articulated anomalies resembling the ground view of vestiges. The presentation of the results was carried out through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). As a visualization tool, GIS offer the advantage of representing more than one layers at the same time, in this case the different construction phases of the fortress in relation to the results of the geophysical survey. The results include, among others, the high resistance values arranged in clear geometric shapes, such as rectangular, semicircular and linear layouts. Their shape in combination with their dimensions allows their attribution to the existence of foundation remains and therefore the presence of buried antiquities. Additionally, an attempt was made to identify the possible buried antiquities with certain chronological periods based on past available plans of the fortress. The geophysical results are expected to make a decisive contribution to any future archaeological excavation.