Geophysical and geochemical surveys

During the first half of August 2016, CeRPHAAL in collaboration with the University of Sheffield and University of ‘Aleksander Xhuvani’ in Elbasan, conducted a joint geophysical and soil geochemical survey at the site of Magjerica in the Upper Vjosa Valley.

Magnetic surveying was carried out in two main areas at the site, covering a total of 30,400 square meters. The results were important for identifying anomalies in both areas, which had previously been subject to pedestrian field survey and trial excavations.

The main aim of the geochemical characterization was to identify areas with high concentrations of metal content, which are indicative of past human activities. A total of five hectares were surveyed through the analysis of approximately 700 individual samples. The key elements identified were copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), all of which are indicators of anthropogenic activity.

The integration of geophysical and geochemical survey data with archaeological survey and excavation results, revealed new and enhanced information related to past human activities at the site of Magjerica