Geophysical mapping of a classical Greek road network: A case study from the city of Elis, Peloponnese

Abstract

Many ancient Greek cities are characterised by a regular orthogonal road network. These roads are ideal targets for geophysical investigation mainly due to their extensive geographic extent that makes them challenging to define by excavation. Geophysical mapping of these features will contribute to understanding ancient cities as it can provide considerable information about their geographic extent, spatial arrangement and urban dynamics. Large scale multisensor magnetic and electromagnetic induction methods have been used to map the ancient Greek city of Elis in the Peloponnese (Greece). This work complements other investigations that have been undertaken, employing other methods that include the interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery (Donati and Sarris forthcoming).