M.C. SALVI1 / G. CARPENTIERO1 / R. SALVINI1 / A. CARTOCCI1 / S. MAZZONI2
(1University of Siena, Italy / 2University of Florence, Italy)

 

Outline:

The survey of Kusakli Huyuk has been primarily directed towards exploring intensively the site and ist catchment area and obtaining clear information on its historical development. Distinct and coordinated archaeological, topographic, geophysical and geological surveying operations have been organised in the first two years of the research. Geoelectric and magnetic geophysical prospection methods, were applied in order to detect subsurface anomalies that could be related to architectural relics. Similarly, remote sensing images, obtained by sensors with different resolution tried to capture subsurface signals in the wider region. After individual analyses (geophysical and remote sensing), the remote sensing results were correlated to the geophysical data in order to provide a guide for the future extension of geophysical surveys. Such kind of outcomes, together with the previous knowledge, could contribute to allow and direct future excavations and test archaeological hypotheses.

 

Abstract:

Kusakli Huyuk in Central Anatolia is a Hittite site that has been the locus of archaeological surveys since 2008. The aim of the particular campaigns is to provide evidence that the site can be identified with the old sacred Hittite city of Zippalanda. This consideration was based on epigraphic sources and surface archaeological traces, and is becoming consistent thanks to the integrated application of geophysical prospection and satellite remote sensing.

Non invasive methods were matched with traditional surface survey from the first steps of the research, in an effort to find clear indications of Hittite relics buried in the tell of Kusakli Huyuk. Emphasis has been given to the topography of the site, the perimeter of the walls and the extent of the site. More specifically, geoelectric and magnetic geophysical prospection methods, still in progress, were applied in order to detect subsurface anomalies that could be related to architectural relics. Similarly, remote sensing images, obtained by sensors with different resolution (Geoeye, Landsat and blimp photos) and in various time frames, tried to capture subsurface signals in the wider region. Both geophysical and remote sensing images were enhanced through various image processing techniques. After individual analyses, the remote sensing results were correlated to the geophysical data in order to provide a guide for the future extension of geophysical surveys.

In this way, buried structures were identified and numerous details were perceived. The results indicate a series of structures oriented in a parallel direction with an agreement with the expected Hittite building shapes. Such kind of outcomes, together with the previous knowledge, could contribute to allow and direct future excavations and test archaeological hypotheses. Traditional excavation campaigns will help us to determine if the detected city coincides with the missing city of Zippalanda.

Keywords: Turkey, Geophysics, Remote Sensing