Medieval and early modern drowned villages in the intertidal zone of the Scheldt estuary (the Netherlands) constitute intriguing yet largely understudied components of north-western Europe's underwater cultural heritage. Despite their high archaeological potential as time capsules of past settlement landscapes, research has remained limited due to the lack of survey methodologies adapted to dynamic intertidal environments. In this study, we present the first results of a non-invasive prospection approach to the lost medieval village of Tolsende (Zeeland, the Netherlands), which drowned in the storm floods of 1530 and 1532 ce. Using UAV photogrammetry, manual and UAV-based magnetometry at low tide and multichannel sediment sonar at high tide, we present the first results of the central area of the village. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and potential applicability of this approach for exploring and mapping both exposed and buried archaeological remains across extensive intertidal areas. Photogrammetry rapidly documented the exposed remains and enables detailed erosion monitoring in the future. Magnetometry revealed buried structures of a church alongside smaller residential features and associated settlement infrastructure. However, UAV magnetometry failed to resolve the more subtle features that were detected by terrestrial surveys. Finally, the sediment-sonar profiles provided insights into the vertical development of these features, as well as sedimentation and infill patterns, thereby adding essential stratigraphic context to the integrated interpretation of the survey data. Together, these results substantially advance current knowledge of the village centre and outline clear directions for future fieldwork. Nevertheless, these first results also warn that off-the-shelf methods require adaptations to the specific challenges of the intertidal environment and the nature of this preserved settlement landscape.

Combined application of 3D surface and subsurface models, Cultural-historical transition of a former cemetery into a publicly popular park, Urban archaeology by geophysics, historical sources and old excavations

During excavations in 1929, a well-preserved skeleton was discovered in a sarcophagus in the Octagon at Ephesos (Turkey). For the following century, archaeologists have speculated about the identity of this obviously notable person. Repeated claim is that the remains could represent Arsinoë IV, daughter of Ptolemy XII, and younger (half-)sister of Cleopatra VII. To address these questions we undertook state-of-the-art morphological, genetic and dating analyses of the cranium and further analyses of bone samples from a femur and a rib of the skeleton found in the same tomb. We confirm based on genetic analyses from the cranium and the femur that they derive from the same person. 14C-dating of the cranium provides a most likely time range between 205−36 BC. The connection with Arsinoë IV can be excluded because we confirmed that the individual is a male. The cranium represents an 11-14-year-old boy who suffered from significant developmental disturbances. Genetics suggest an ancestry from the Italian peninsula or Sardinia. The fate of the body of Arsinoë IV, who reportedly was killed in 41 BC in Ephesos, remains open. In contrast, investigations regarding the fate and social background of the boy from the Octagon can now proceed free of speculation.

In 2020, a series of large features were identified, set within two arc-like structures, to the north and south of Durrington Walls henge (Gaffney et al. 2020). Based on geophysical survey and borehole investigation, combined with the results of previous, commercial fieldwork, 15 features were interpreted as either large pits or probable pits. Five additional features were identified from aerial photography or topographic modelling as being of potential interest. Some of these features, on the 'northern arc', were assessed by their original investigators to be naturally occurring sinkholes (Leivers 2021). Following the interpretation of these features as a single pit alignment, some discussion has taken place relating to the origin and nature of these features and their association with Durrington Walls henge (Ruggles and Chadburn 2024). This debate has taken place without the benefit of the results of more recent research undertaken both in the field and laboratory. In 2021, further investigations were carried out over 'northern arc' features 13D and 16D, as well as over the 'southern arc' features 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A. This work also provided an opportunity to survey anomaly ii at Larkhill, and to revisit 'southern arc' features 5A, 7A and 8A. The latter three had been surveyed and cored in 2019 and identified as pits. New fieldwork also provided the occasion to utilise a wider range of analytical techniques than previously, and the application of novel geochemistry and sedaDNA methods generated sediment stratigraphies and detailed environmental histories for individual pits. The results of geophysical survey and borehole investigations reinforce the overall similarity between those features previously identified as pits or probable pits, as well as those investigated in the recent field campaign. Consequently, with confirmation of pit 16D as a new addition to the 'northern arc', the total of pits/probable pits in the overall series has risen to 16. However, to the west of Durrington Walls, in Larkhill, a magnetometer survey over anomaly ii did not reveal a magnetic response consistent with a large pit-feature, although this area is heavily disturbed by later development and the survey results at this location cannot be regarded as conclusive. Currently, the majority of features identified during the two seasons of work at Durrington continue to be interpreted as corresponding to large pits or modified features which, irrespective of any possible natural origin, emerged during the later Neolithic to form part of a larger, prehistoric pit structure surrounding Durrington Walls.

Autonomous navigation with multi-channel GPR for efficient surveys, Field trials at Blomsholm revealed detailed subsurface structures, Innovations in hardware, software, and data management enhance prospection

Highlights: Multimethod (Aerial Photos, Magnetic Gradiometry, FDEMI and GPR) investigations into fist millennium AD settlements on the island of Amrum, finding a Viking Age harbour site.

This chapter provides an extensive overview of the use of geophysics in archaeological research and cultural heritage management in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. It discusses the current status, role and acceptance of geophysical methods in each country, and outlines the state-of-the-art based on a synthesis of existing knowledge and experience. The authors consider the past, present and future of archaeo-geophysics in the individual regions, taking into account the academic, curatorial and commercial aspects of their use. This, in turn, serves as the basis for a discussion of the reasons for the varying degrees of acceptance and integration of the methods in each country, and aid the distribution of knowledge and experience gained across Scandinavia and beyond. The practical experience, application and general acceptance are not similar in the different Scandinavian countries. There is a general lack of integrating geophysical (and by extension non-intrusive methods) within the archaeological practice and guidelines. The case studies presented here show a range of archaeological applications of geophysics in Scandinavia, demonstrating how geophysical methods should by no means be considered “new” or “untested”. While there is a need for targeted research, there has also been a challenge in disseminating the already generated knowledge and experiences to other actors within the archaeological community. Some of this can be explained by a lack of trained personnel, domestic competence and archaeological institutions undertaking research into the applicability of geophysical methods, and data-sharing and making reports accessible.

Since its foundation in 2010, the Vienna-based Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection and Virtual Archaeology (LBI ArchPro) has been investigating the Kreuttal, an area locat-ed 25 km north of Vienna, as one of several case studies. Different methods have been tested and developed for efficient archaeological prospection. The methods applied include geophysical prospection, airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, aerial photography, soil sam-pling, fieldwalking and targeted archaeological excavations. A special focus was placed on the development and application of motorised magnetic prospection. Over the past years, considerable parts of the landscape have been surveyed and investigated through fieldwalking, so that recent changes could be documented. This case study high-lights how the acquired datasets provide valuable information on various parameters of fundamental archaeological interest. Soil ero-sion and accumulation have transformed the landscape significantly, affecting the detection and identification of archaeological remains. By comparing all collected datasets, it is possible to analyse the vari-ous physical parameters such as topography, soil characteristics and humidity based on an integrative approach to data interpretation

This research and development project aims to evaluate the feasibility of conducting large-scale autonomous ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys. An electric autonomous implement carrier was used to integrate a 22-channel GPR array. This innovative approach shows promise for advancing GPR survey capabilities in the future.

We performed a research-oriented EU Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) with participants from four countries focused on North Frisian terp settlements from Roman Iron Age and medieval times. We show that the complex terp structure and environment can be efficiently prospected using combined magnetic and EMI mapping, and seismic and geoelectric profiling and drilling. We found evidence of multiple terp phases and a harbor at the Roman Iron Age terp of Tofting. In contrast, the medieval terp of Stolthusen is more simply constructed, probably uni-phase. The BIP proved to be a suitable tool for high-level hands-on education adding value to the research conducted in on-going projects.

The archaeological prospection focused on a multiphase fortified settlement. It was conducted as an integrated survey using airborne laserscanning (ALS) data, aerial photography, magnetics and GPR. The results show among other things that restricted military areas provide outstanding conditions for the preservation of archaeological sites.

We provide an overview of challenges and possible promising developments that lie ahead in the field of archaeological geophysics. The presented ideas can serve as blueprints for exciting new developments.

Multiple antenna GPR data provide excellent results when using 3d migration. 3d migration must be performed without erroneous measurements. 3d migration must be sensitive to the different channels. Wall structures along the measurement lines can then be visualized.

Vulci (Viterbo Province, Italy) was one of the most important Etruscan city-states in the 1st millennium b.c. and became a Roman city in 280 b.c. The habitation site had over 1500 years of continuous life and a very large funerary area around the volcanic plateau. An international research cooperation investigated the site in 2014-2019 using remote sensing technologies and conducting archaeological excavations in the urban area. This paper presents the integrated application of remote sensing methods, which include multispectral unmanned aerial vehicles, aerial photography, and high-resolution georadar measurements. The multimodal application of active and passive sensors permitted a multilayered identification of archaeological features and led to substantial new interpretations of the rich archaeological landscape, which calls for a reconsideration of traditional scholarly narratives of Vulci's history.

In the framework of an archaeological prospection case study conducted at the Swedish Iron Age site of Uppåkra near Lund, a large number of anomalies caused by buried archaeological remains were detected using extensive magnetic surveys. Written sources report that the Swedish army under Field marshal Gustav Horn had established a camp near the village of Uppåkra in autumn 1644, awaiting the approaching Danish army. Magnetic anomalies of two large, square structures, numerous pits and several pit alignments have been interpreted as possible traces of buried remains of this army camp. We present archaeological prospection data from Uppåkra with regard to the events that took place during Horn's war in 1644.

Wetlands are of immense importance for archaeological research due to excellent preservation conditions for organic material. However, the detection and registration of archaeological remains in waterlogged areas, such as peatlands, bogs, mires, or lakeshores are very challenging. Alternative methods that can support traditional archaeological registrations and that can help to survey wetlands more efficiently are needed. One goal of the “Arkeologi på nye veier” (Archaeology on new ways) project, initiated by Nye Veier AS, was to develop and test a practical solution for non-invasive geophysical surveys in wetland environments in support of traditional archaeological investigations. For that purpose, a custom GPR system for wetland investigations was assembled, tested and applied at Gausdal (Flekkefjord municipality, Agder county) in Norway within the E39-southwest infrastructure project. The GPR survey resulted in promising data, clearly showing the buried remains of an old road within the investigated area. This case study demonstrated the potential of GPR measurements in peatlands as a valuable asset for archaeological registration projects in such environments. However, despite these first encouraging results, wetlands remain very challenging environments, and realistic expectations, as well as a good understanding of the potential and limitations of this approach are a prerequisite for meaningful surveys.

– Comparison of GPR data collected manually in 1999 with high-resolution data acquired with motorized array GPR in 2015. – Interpretation of the high-resolution GPR data with regard to excavation results from 1884.

– Comprehensive geophysical assessment of huge pits; ERT, GPR, mag and EM.– Novel approach to testing and interpreting pits via coring.– Largest pit circuit confirmed in both the Stonehenge landscape and the UK.