Autori: Frînculeasa, N. Mãdãlina, Frînculeasa, A. P., David, C.

Editorial: Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica, 58 (2), p.289-302, 2014.

Rezumat:

The Roman fort from Sfârleanca is one of the most representative archaeological sites
dating from the Roman period (2nd century A.D.) in Northern Muntenia. The existing
natural and anthropic features of the environment required the application of geophysical
methods in order to outline the spatial pattern of the buried remains, to define the
geometry of the anthropogenic settlements and to obtain detailed information about
different archaeological materials without digging. During the survey, two different
geophysical methods have been employed: total magnetic field measurements and
electrical resistance mapping using Twin-probe array. The instrument consists of
GSM19W Overhauser magnetometers with GPS, in base-rover system, and a twin-probe
array LGM 4-Point light hp. The measurements were used to draw primary maps of the
physical parameters (total magnetic field strength/intensity, electrical resistance), and
also processed maps (filtering, derivative). The magnetic results obtained by interpreting
the anomalies yielded information about the limits of the fort, about the internal
organization of the military structure (its axial road, partially its secondary road, the
localization and the shape of its constructions) and at the bath and heating installation.
A previously unknown element is the possible water supply pipe made of ceramic material
highlighted by the mathematical modelling of the data obtained by the magnetic
investigations. Electrical resistance results provide complementary information to the
magnetic survey concerning the limits of the baths and the remains of the fort structure.
This paper brings to light geophysical investigations into this Roman fort and baths,
extending the picture produced by previous archaeological excavations that only dealt
with a small part of the site. It indicates the importance of using geophysical methods in
preliminary archaeological research and the advantages of combining total magnetic
field measurements and electrical resistance mapping when investigating an
archaeological site characterized by a number of environmental difficulties.

Cuvinte cheie: magnetic and electrical resistance surveys, Sfârleanca, Dumbrãvesti, geoarchaeology

URL: http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s11200-012-1142-2