Geophysical prospection of a bronze foundry on the southern slope of the acropolis at athens, Greece

A geophysical survey of the Acropolis's southern slope in Athens, Greece, has uncovered evidence of additional bronze production pits, shedding new light on ancient manufacturing processes. The study, conducted in 2010, employed magnetometry (MAG), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to map subsurface anomalies. Two major pits were identified: one previously excavated, whose extent was outlined, and another newly detected oval-shaped pit measuring 8–10 meters in length, 2–3 meters in width, and 2.5 meters deep, featuring steep vertical walls and possible entrances. Virtual models generated from LiDAR scans of the excavated pit aided interpretation, confirming the new pit as part of a bronze foundry complex. These findings prompt further excavations to explore this ancient production site.

Leopold, M., Gannaway, E., Völkel, J., Haas, F., Becht, M., Heckmann, T., Westphal, M., & Zimmer, G. (2011). Geophysical prospection of a bronze foundry on the southern slope of the acropolis at athens, Greece. Archaeological Prospection, 18(1), 27–41. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.402