The LASS Project relies on an array of noninvasive surface reconnaissance techniques in its investigations, and the integration of these techniques is helping to reconstruct the settlement patterns and cultural lifeways over the longue durée, from the Neolithic until today.
Systematic intensive field survey is the fundamental method of data acquisition employed by the Project in the lower agricultural valleys of the region. This method is especially effective in documenting artifact scatters brought to the surface by agricultural plowing as well as visible remains of built structures. According to this technique, experienced archaeologists walk in parallel lines at 10-meter spacing and following a compass bearing across fields. Each archaeologist logs all artifacts observed on either side of their line (thereby providing a systematic sample of the surface remains). These data are then registered in a GIS platform and analyzed to identify “Areas of Above Average Artifact Density” (AAADs). Any built environments are further recorded, and complex architectural remains are photogrammetrically documented using a drone. These AAADs are subsequently revisited for additional documentation using a more intensive grid-square collection strategy, whereby artifacts are collected within a 5m-by-5m grid in order to document the extent and organization of surface remains at a higher resolution.
The upland zones of the study region present a more challenging environment for non-invasive archaeological reconnaissance due to steep slopes and dense maquis vegetation. Consequently, in these areas, the LASS Project employs a range of methods to identify archaeological remains. The Project often begins by visiting sites already known in the region and documented on historic maps in order to record associated artifacts and identify areas of interest for further investigation. Then, remote sensing techniques are employed to identify other features in the area. Working in collaboration with colleagues from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (E-RIHS, MOLAB), a UAV-mounted camera records multispectral imagery and LiDAR data over areas of dense vegetation in order to provide a high-resolution digital terrain model of the Areas of Interest. The LASS team then returns to the Area of Interest to ground truth identified features. Any archaeological remains identified in this process are recorded, and at important locations, grid-square collection is conducted.
All material collected by the LASS Project is housed in the Museo Archeologico Comunale di Santadi, where it is studied to determine dates and functions. Further analysis of the material properties of the collected artifacts (particularly ceramic fabrics and bulk geochemical composition) is also underway in order to identify locally manufactured (versus imported) items and in order to identify patterns of production, trade, and consumption for different periods.
Systematic intensive field survey is the fundamental method of data acquisition employed by the Project in the lower agricultural valleys of the region. This method is especially effective in documenting artifact scatters brought to the surface by agricultural plowing as well as visible remains of built structures. According to this technique, experienced archaeologists walk in parallel lines at 10-meter spacing and following a compass bearing across fields. Each archaeologist logs all artifacts observed on either side of their line (thereby providing a systematic sample of the surface remains). These data are then registered in a GIS platform and analyzed to identify “Areas of Above Average Artifact Density” (AAADs). Any built environments are further recorded, and complex architectural remains are photogrammetrically documented using a drone. These AAADs are subsequently revisited for additional documentation using a more intensive grid-square collection strategy, whereby artifacts are collected within a 5m-by-5m grid in order to document the extent and organization of surface remains at a higher resolution.
The upland zones of the study region present a more challenging environment for non-invasive archaeological reconnaissance due to steep slopes and dense maquis vegetation. Consequently, in these areas, the LASS Project employs a range of methods to identify archaeological remains. The Project often begins by visiting sites already known in the region and documented on historic maps in order to record associated artifacts and identify areas of interest for further investigation. Then, remote sensing techniques are employed to identify other features in the area. Working in collaboration with colleagues from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (E-RIHS, MOLAB), a UAV-mounted camera records multispectral imagery and LiDAR data over areas of dense vegetation in order to provide a high-resolution digital terrain model of the Areas of Interest. The LASS team then returns to the Area of Interest to ground truth identified features. Any archaeological remains identified in this process are recorded, and at important locations, grid-square collection is conducted.
All material collected by the LASS Project is housed in the Museo Archeologico Comunale di Santadi, where it is studied to determine dates and functions. Further analysis of the material properties of the collected artifacts (particularly ceramic fabrics and bulk geochemical composition) is also underway in order to identify locally manufactured (versus imported) items and in order to identify patterns of production, trade, and consumption for different periods.
Non-invasive superficial reconnaissance
Systematic intensive field survey to geospatially record artifacts in lower valleys
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Remote sensing survey of upland forest zones to locate points of archaeological interest in upland regions with colleagues from the CNR (E-RIHS MOLAB)
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Gridded collection at locations of particular archaeological interest
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Documentation of deteriorating abandoned structures using a drone
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Artifact analysis at the Museo Archeologico Comunale di Santadi to determine date and function
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Artifact analysis at the Museo Archeologico Comunale di Santadi to provide bulk geochemical characterization
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