Ground-penetrating radar prospections at the Roman Domus of Mdina (Malta)

Abstract

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) mapping provides a three-dimensional analysis of archaeological features within the context of landscape studies. The method’s ability to measure the intensity of radar reflections from deep in the ground can produce images and maps of buried features not visible on the surface. A study was conducted in some areas near the Domus Romana in Rabat (Malta) in order to investigate the still uncovered archaeological structures. The purpose of the GPR survey was to guide the excavation operations (planned but postponed due to Covid-19) and to allow us to understand the development of the defensive walls of the city and any other structures related to the Roman mansion. The choice of the areas to be investigated was therefore guided both by previous archaeological excavations and by the considerations made above. The results obtained through the GPR made it possible to shed light on some of the aspects related to the questions posed by the archaeologists, highlighting part of the structures related to the defensive walls, part of the structures related to water supply and conservation and part of the wall structures related to the Roman mansion itself.

KEYWORDS:

• Ground-penetrating radar
• urban geophysics
• Roman Domus
• Melite Civitas Romana
• Rabat
• Malta

Acknowledgements

The Melite Civitas Romana Project would like to greatly acknowledge the support and assistance of Heritage Malta and The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage Malta in completing the survey work this season. As well the University of North Alabama (Florence, Alabama, USA) for its generous sponsorship. We would also like to acknowledge the following organisations and individuals for their financial support of the project this season: Staff and students of Bonnyrigg High School Sydney Australia; Doris McCarter USA; Sherry Williams USA; Timothy Adams and Georgine Brabec USA; Leanne Abela Malta; Dr Denis Mootz Australia; Terry Bruno USA; Lori Ferland USA.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

We would also like to acknowledge the following organisations and individuals for their financial support of the project this season: Staff and students of Bonnyrigg High School Sydney Australia; Doris McCarter USA; Sherry Williams USA; Timothy Adams and Georgine Brabec USA; Leanne Abela Malta; Dr Denis Mootz Australia; Terry Bruno USA; Lori Ferland USA.