High-resolution geophysical investigation at Banditaccia Necropolis (Cerveteri) by means GPR and magnetic survey

In the search for bodies of archaeological interest at shallow depths, geophysical methods can provide useful indications. The aim of the present work, carried out in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, was to detect the presence of tombs/graves and/or buried structures in an unexplored area of Banditaccia Necropolis (Cerveteri and Tarquinia Archaeological Park), one of the largest ancient necropolis in the entire Mediterranean area. In the investigated area, two different non-destructive geophysical techniques have been employed: Ground-Penetrating Radar and gradiometry. The results made it possible to identify anomalies referable to probable structures of archaeological interest buried at a depth of several meters and probably attributable to tombs/graves. These geophysical results will preparatory to set up an archaeological excavation.