New discovery of an ancient building in Akragas (Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Italy) through the integration of geophysical surveys

A new discovery of buried building remains in the Valley of Temples, Agrigento (ancient Akragas), has been made using advanced geophysical surveys. The study, conducted over a 3,000 m² area north of Plateia I-L, employed non-invasive techniques such as Electromagnetic (EM) surveys and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). These methods revealed subsurface anomalies indicative of buried structures, which were later confirmed through archaeological excavations. A wall constructed with large calcarenite blocks was uncovered, suggesting the presence of a building from the Hellenistic or Classical period. This discovery is significant as it may represent part of a larger, more complex structure near the entrance of the 'circular altars' sanctuary, potentially playing a vital role in Akragas's religious topography.

Imposa, S., Grassi, S., Morreale, G., Pirrotta, C., Cavalier, L., Gilotti, A., Giuliano, D., Cayre, E., & Caliò, L. M. (2024). New discovery of an ancient building in Akragas (Valley of Temples, Agrigento, Italy) through the integration of geophysical surveys. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 53, 104368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2023.104368