Geological and geophysical investigations in the Roman cemetery at Kenchreai (Korinthia), Greece

The Kenchreai Cemetery Project (KCP) comprises an interdisciplinary archaeological research team that is exploring a major cemetery of Roman date in southern Greece. The cemetery is located on the Koutsongila Ridge just north of the ancient harbour of Kenchreai, the prosperous eastern port of Corinth. Surface remains that have been visible for centuries or exposed by looting include chamber tombs, cist graves and architecture. In 2004 KCP conducted geological and geophysical investigations to reconstruct the natural and settled landscape where ancient residents buried their dead. Geological study of the ridge and its vicinity has determined that the tombs are situated within a geologic unit particularly well suited for rock-cut construction, and that tombs were intentionally cut into the bedrock so that the vaulted roofs corresponded with a particularly resistant calcareous horizon (caliche), which provided a stable ceiling for the subterranean chambers. Moreover, several metres of coastline have eroded into the Saronic Gulf since antiquity. A systematic geophysical survey using electromagnetic, magnetic, ground-penetrating radar and gravity techniques was also carried out to map uncovered remains and to correlate visible with subsurface features. Several anomalies were identified that might represent previously unknown large structures and burial sites in the central and southern areas of the ridge. In addition, experimental tests using GPR and micro-gravitometry demonstrated the efficacy of these methods for surveying rock-cut tombs. The combined results of geological and geophysical investigation provide valuable information concerning local resource exploitation, structural distribution, and environmental change. These investigations model an innovative approach to the study of mortuary landscapes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.