Abstrakt: |
Archaeologists in Siena, Italy are using ground-penetrating radar to uncover the buried history of everyday people. They have discovered evidence of earlier structures, including a potential church constructed 1,200 years ago, within the Siena cathedral. Inspired by this success, the researchers launched an initiative called Sotto Siena (Under Siena) to create a complete archaeological record of the city. This project is part of a larger movement in archaeology towards using sophisticated and hands-off methods to find, map, and preserve historical sites. The article explores the use of geophysical tools, such as ground-penetrating radar, in archaeology, highlighting the work of experts Immo Trinks and Lawrence Conyers, who have different approaches to using these tools. The benefits and challenges of using geophysical tools in archaeology are discussed, including the ability to uncover hidden structures and the potential for misinterpretation. The article also emphasizes the democratizing effect of these tools, allowing for the exploration of the lives of everyday people and previously overlooked cultures. [Extracted from the article] |