Detecting Modern Conflicts: Metal Detector Survey and Distribution Analysis as Tools for Understanding Slovenian Mass Execution Sites

The paper focuses on the applicability of a metal detector survey and intrasite spatial analysis of mostly metal objects distribution at four post Second World War mass execution sites in Kocevski Rog, Slovenia. All locations were surveyed with the intent to gather the material evidence, reconstruct the events, and identify areas of different activities. With the objects distribution analysis we were able to reconstruct pathways leading through forest to the execution sites, places of untying, undressing, and restricting of the victims, and places of shooting. Locations with discarded and sometimes burned clothing, equipment, and personal belongings were also found, containing various metal and non-metal objects. Metal detector survey and intrasite spatial analysis of objects distribution proved to be the best and reliable way for researching, interpreting and reconstructing poorly documented events, such as Second World War and post-war extrajudicial mass executions.