4. Geodetic surveyes and topography at the Tell Fekheriye location

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Published by:Slovak Archaeological and Historical InstituteBratislava, Vajnorská 8/aSlovak RepublicThe fi rst edition in 2015www.sahi.skarcheologia@sahi.sk

Editors: D. Hulínek – D. Bonatz – M. Kováč

Authors of the publication in alphabetical order:DOMINIK BONATZ, ALICE DESPRAT, MILOŠ GREGOR, JANA HLAVATÁ, ANNIKA HOTZAN-TCHABASHVILI, DRAHOSLAV HULÍNEK, EVA HULÍNKOVÁ- ŤUCHOVÁ, PAVOL JELÍNEK, VLADIMÍR KARLOVSKÝ, DANIEL KENDRALA, MILAN KOVÁČ, BRANISLAV KOVÁR, TIBOR LIESKOVSKÝ, CARLOS PALLÁN GAYOL, JÚLIUS VAVÁK

Peer reviewed by: PhDr. Dagmar Dreslerová Ph.D., Oddělení archeologie krajiny a archeobiologie, Archeolo-gický ústav AV ČR, Praha, Česká republika. Ing. Jana Faixová Chalachanová, PhD., Department of Theoretical Geodesy, Faculty of Ci-vil Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Prof. Elizabeth Graham, PhD., F.S.A., Institute of Archaeology, University College London, United Kingdom.Doc. PhDr. Peter Pavúk PhD., Ústav pro klasickou archeologii, Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Česká republika. Prof. David Pendergast PhD., Institute of Archaeology, University College London, United Kingdom.

English translation and corrections: PORTER, s.r.o., Pluhová 42, 831 03 Bratislava, Slovenská republika, www.porter.sk Mgr. Eva JobbováMgr. Peter ValentTobias Brooks

Graphics, layout and cover design: Marcel Križan, SAHI

Printing:FINIDR, s.r.o., Český Těšín

Cover illustration:Front cover: Preclassic stucco mask of Maya deity from Uaxactun in Gutemala (Photo SAHI). View of the highest part of the site of Tell Fekheriye in Syria (Photo SAHI). Bronze Age pottery found at the site in Budmerice, Slovakia (Photo SAHI). Surface fi nd from Budmerice, Slovakia - a heart-shaped pendant (Photo SAHI).

Back cover: Preclassic stucco mask of deity from Uaxactun in Gutemala (Photo SAHI). Map showing the activities of SAHI on three continents.

ISBN: 978 – 80 – 89704 – 01 – 9

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4. GEODETIC SURVEYS AND TOPOGRAPHY AT THE TELL FEKHERIYE LOCATION

TIBOR LIESKOVSKÝ, SLOVAK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN BRATISLAVA / SLOVAK ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL INSTITUTE

DRAHOSLAV HULÍNEK, SLOVAK ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL INSTITUTE

DANIEL KENDRALA, SLOVAK ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL INSTITUTE

ABSTRACTThe spatial localization of archaeological aretfacts by

geodetic surveying, of archaeological artefacts, as well as topography of the entire archaeological site and its close surroundings form an inseparable part of an archaeolo-gical research project. The signifi cance of geospatial me-thods for archaeological analysis may be compared to the “Discovery of Radiocarbon Dating” (Neustupný, 2000). While in the past, traditional archaeology was dealing al-most exclusively with the study of artefacts (fi nds), the ar-chaeology of recent decades has tended to focus mostly on supplementing this study via research on ecofacts and re-cently also on deepening the research on the spatial distri-bution of archaeological sources. However, it was proved that the spatial relationships of particular components of archaeological sources, together with the formal proper-ties, are their only observable properties (Kuna, 2004).

Spatial localization of the archaeological artefact or the object allows for specifi c incorporation in the context of vertical stratigraphy, while information on horizontal position allows for better understanding in the context of the archaeological site area. The added value also covers the information on spatial properties such as dimensions, volume, or typological data such as adjacent position of objects etc. Last but not least, the geodetic survey provides information on the position of particular archaeological probes and trenches or sections in the context of the entire archaeological site. This spatial information is also impor-tant due to time-extensive archaeological research which might take decades in various time intervals, so that traces of the previous archaeological activity need not be visible on the surface. The accurate geodetic survey can be used to prevent unintentional “archaeologization” of historical areas of archaeological research or it is possible to conti-nue the current researches from the spatial point of view.

Topographic mapping of the archaeological site allows for documentation of its current state and by me-ans of suitable methodology also its internal structure and surface zoning or identifi cation of remains of archaeolo-gical structures (ditches, ramparts, terraces etc.) which are visible on the surface while they are not necessarily observable with the naked eye. Apart from recording the existing archaeological structures, the detailed mapping of the site also allows for recording of the recent structu-res (roads, buildings, fi elds) or mapping of the factors having destructive impacts on the archaeological site or

posing potential threats to it and eventual quantifi cation of the destruction rate.

Mapping the background of the archaeological site allows for documentation of elements infl uencing the exi-stence of the site in the context of the close surroundings and landscape, whether these include various site periphe-ries, service settlements, routes of historical water courses, position of natural resources (mines, stone quarries etc.), historical roads, irrigation systems, historical fi elds, posi-tion of adjacent locations etc.. The possibility of documen-tation of these structures is determined by their ability to be proved even after millennia by the conditions infl uencing their preservation (climate, subsoil, erosion etc.) or by the intensity of construction and agricultural activity in recent decades (deep tillage, landscape transformation etc.).

TOPOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTIC OF THE LOCATION

Tell Fekheriye is situated immediately to the east of the town of Ras al Ain close to the Turkish frontier,

not far from the centre of the region which is the city of al Hasseke. The geographical coordinates of the Tell are: 36° 50’3“ north in latitude and 40° 4’ 4“ east in longitude (Bonatz 2011; Hulínek 2008, 60,61). The very town of Ras al´ Ain has approximately 20,000 to 22,000 inhabitants. More than six decades ago it was a village, however, in the period of the Islamic Middle Ages it complied with the defi nition of a city. At the time of the Ottoman Empire it formed one settlement with its present Turkish counterpart Ceylanpınar which currently has a similar number of inhabitants to Syrian Ras al´ Ain. Older maps, produced already after division of the city or village, show its name as Ras al Ain or similar. In 1921, the division of the region where both cities are located occurred under the agreement between the Ottoman Empire (de facto Turkey) and France. Based on previous researches, even before commencement of the current excavations, scientists were aware of the fact that the position of Tell Fekheriye situated close to Ras al´Ain (approx. 800 m to the south) was a signifi cant location of ancient civilizations of the Middle East. This was also confi rmed by suitable natural conditions which in the prehistoric and ancient periods enabled long-term settlement. There was a suffi cient source of water which supported intense agricultural activity, settlement development and subsequently trade and crafts. The site is situated in the area of the corridor between

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the Dag-Tur ´Abdin mountain range to the north-east now in Turkey and the Jabal´Abdal-´ Aziz to the south (Bonatz 2013, 61; Bonatz/Bartl/Gilbert/Jauß 2008). The area of the archaeological site Tell Fekheriyah exceeds 90 ha. It is a moderate mound which mostly copies the borders of the former town walls dating back to Late Antiquity. They come predominantly from the Roman-Byzantine period. The remains of these walls as well as of the Roman fort can be identifi ed in several places on the site. In the north and north-east part, the Tell borders on a natural depression which was formed due to shaping of the Khabur river bed. Currently, the riverbed is dry and its karst springs are visible in the fi eld. In the surroundings of Tell Fekheriye there are several springs of the Khabur river. Seven springs can be recognized in the north and north-east direction and there are six springs identifi ed within the diameter of 1km in the south direction (Bonatz 2013, 61). The very area of the site and its height is substantially formed due to human activity in the course of the long-term settlement of this site. The site area was marked by several interventions related to anthropogenic activity as well as to natural conditions from the period of the Islamic Middle Ages. The eastern part of the Tell contains a recognizable mound with an area of 12 ha. The city area situated below is called the Lower City and has an area of 78 ha. The altitude on the highest place of the Tell is 363.40 m above sea level (Bonatz 2011).

The fi eld situation in the western part of the Upper city is different. There was a terrace area formed in the north-west direction (with average altitude of 358 m above sea level) which was not formed in a natural way but due to anthropogenic activity. It was related to the intention to use the areas for agricultural purposes in the period from 1960 to 1980. The so called Lower City expands especially in the western direction from the dominant mound while the average altitude is 354 m above sea level (Bonatz 2011; Burdon/Safadi 2011, 58, fi g.3). The average altitude in the Tell region varies from 200 m to 300 m above sea level. The average annual precipitation in the location area reaches 800 mm (Bonatz/Bartl/Gilbert/Jauß 2008).

HISTORY OF RESEARCH AND GEODETIC-CARTOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES

The fi rst geodetic survey of the location was done in 1929 during an archaeological campaign conducted on the nearby position Tell Halaf. Several archaeological research cycles were led by the German explorer, Max Freiherr von Oppenheim. They were conducted in the following years: 1911-1913, 1927, 1929 and 1939. The interest in Tell Fekheriye in this period was also caused by the potential possibility of the localization of Washukanni, the capital of the Mittani kingdom in this location. In regard to this project, he also focused on the close position of Tell Fekheriye from the informative point of view where he decided to perform geodetic and cartographic works. Production of a topographic map was entrusted

to two architects, Felix Langenegger and Hans Lehmann (Novák 2011; Oppenheim 1931, 60; Opitz 1927). Later, in the context of the Chicago University project – Oriental Institute and the Museum of Arts in Boston, a further plan of the location related to archaeological research was produced (McEwanet al. 1958). It included the results of this American team led by Calvin McEwan. This research was conducted in 1940 and the geodetic work of the German team led by M. F. Oppenheim was the basic document for all sitings whether of trenches or sections, fi nds, and prospecting activities within the Tell. The research of the Belgian explorer, Anton Moortgat from the Free University in Berlin continued the work of the German architects and the results of the American team in the context of site activities. It was conducted in the period 1955-1956 (Moortgat 1956; 1957; 1959). Based on previous geodetic surveys and the respective documentation, the German-Syrian team was working under the leadership of Alexander Pruß and ‚Abdal-Masih Bagdo during the 2001 research (Pruß/Bagdo 2002). Since the fi eld situation on the Tell changed more signifi cantly due to agricultural or industrial activity as well as due to development of the cemetery especially in the so called Lower City, it was necessary to survey and document the entire location from the planimetric point of view. This led to updating the current state of the fi eld on the site. We were able to more thoroughly identify the current change of the fi eld profi lation compared to the period when the researches of M. F. Oppenheim in the Tell Halaf location were conducted and also during the American research in 1940 in the Tell Fekheriye location. Concurrently, it was important to survey and thus assist in recognizing the state of preservation in the fi eld of visible historical objects and to compare them with the state in the period from 1929 to 1940. Last but not least, the task is the best preparation of the conditions for production of 3D models of the location including description of as much archaeological research as possible. Therefore the expedition led by Prof. Dominik Bonatz decided to perform this step by which it started a new archaeological project in the Tell Fekheriye location in 2005. The fi rst newly surveyed, comprehensive topographic plan was produced by Jensom Kersten from the Technical University in Berlin in 2005. In 2006, when the fi rst fully-fl edged season of this project was carried out, Tobias Kersten also from the Technical University in Berlin continued in this work (Bonatz et al. 2008). Their geodetic work continued in full extent when in 2009, the surveyor Dr. Tibor Lieskovský and archaeologist Mgr. Daniel Kendrala from the Slovak Archaeological and Historical Institute – SAHI, o. z. took over all activities of this character within the Tell Fekheriye project.

GEODETIC ACTIVITIES PERFORMED AT TELL FEKHERIYE (2009 – 2010 SEASON)

Geodetic activities performed in 2009 and 2010 both continued the activities of seasons 2005 and 2006, in the form of expansion of the mapped territory and

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more precise and more detailed 3D model creation and they concurrently fulfi lled supporting tasks for the ongoing archaeological research in the site. Within the framework it is possible to divide the sphere of works into the following activities:

- Geodetic survey on the re-search site- Topographic (3D) mapping of the Tell area- Planimetric surveying of recent elements existing on the Tell territory and areas of previous archaeological research- Processing of available his-torical and area documentation

PROCEDURE OF GEODETIC ACTIVITIES

IDENTIFICATION AND RENEWAL OF THE EXISTING CONTROL POINTS

The initial activities essential for further work included reconnaissance of the fi eld, identifi cation, and renewal of the existing Control Points. The Control Points represent an essential spatial basis for any area surveying. They consist of a network of points with known exactly determined coordinates for which spatial orientation at the beginning of every geodetic survey is carried out. The Control Points were newly established in 2005 and 2006 (Fig. 1) by the brothers Jens Kersten and Tobias Kersten from the Technical University in Berlin (Kersten, 2007).

The coordinates X, Y were determined in a so called local coordinate system which formed the basis of the square net (a grid) with dimensions of the basic cell of 10 m x 10 m, this grid covered almost the entire area of the Tell and it enabled us to determine the position within the site based on the cell code. The basic axes of the grid and of the Control Points were oriented in the north (X axis) and east (Y axis) directions. These local coordinates of the location are specifi c only for the particular area of interest and they are not related to the local, national, or global coordinate systems. The data on the altitude above sea level were taken over from historical vertical reference systems used in the country in the 20th century. Despite quality processing and stabilization of the Control Points in 2006 and 2007, the reconnaissance in the fi eld proved their signifi cant reduction when fewer than 50% of fi rmly stabilized detailed points were found. Paradoxically, it is worth mentioning that during reconnaissance, points from the researches conducted in the 1940’s – 1950’s were found.

It is, however, impossible to state that Control Point destruction was intentional, it is rather caused by the local climatic conditions (impossibility to fi nd marked points under the dust and earth deposits) and especially intense and extensive construction and agricultural activity when stabilized points could be damaged, for example, by ploughing close to roads. Such destruction inspires questions such as how to permanently and sustainably stabilize Control Points while at least 2 (optimally 3) basic points in a suffi cient distance from one another are essential and for this purpose a geodetic GPS pillar was built in the highest place of the cemetery in 2009. It would be useful to complete the remaining permanently stabilized pillars of the Control Points or to implement Control Points using existing buildings such as minarets. The found remains of Control Points were renewed within geodetic activities, resurveyed, and supplemented with newly-determined points. For the purposes of geodetic surveying of the research area locally condensed Control Points would be aligned in a way that enables fast surveying always of at least 3 reference points with de facto arbitrary places in the area.

SETTING WORKSThe essential preparatory works for archaeological

research included setting activities. Both squares (areas) of new probes were set out, defi nition points of the existing probes from the past seasons were renewed or in 2010 it was the area of geo-physical research. The existing square grid covering the entire Tell was used for setting out with the provided dimension of the basic grid cell of 10 m x 10 m, the dimensions of the set out square probes were 9 m x 9 m or geometric fragments of this dimension, the remaining area was left for control blocks or handling

Fig. 1 Example of Control Points built in the period 2005 - 2006 (Kersten, 2007)

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area (Fig. 2 – 3). Since direct setting out of probe corners is unsuitable due to destruction of profi le edges, the probes were set out by means of the grid of auxiliary points on which strings were stretched and their intersection points defi ned probe corners.

GEODETIC SURVEYS OF THE RESEARCH AREAA vast activity of geodetic works included surveys

of the area during the archaeological research. They represented an everyday part of geodetic activity. In 2009, these were carried out directly by the surveyor T. Lieskovský, but in 2010, because of the expansion and more intensive character of topographical mapping of the Tell location, two workers from Syria were trained for surveying the research area. To survey the area, a special station enabling surveying the entire research area was built thus signifi cantly increasing the time effi ciency of this activity since it was not necessary to move and newly fi x the total station. Surveying the area

of the archaeological research can be summarized as follows:

- 3D positioning of signifi cant small fi nds- Determination of the elevation of particular contexts- Surveying of Control Points for the purposes of drawing documentation- Surveying of object/context perimeter- Surveying construction details (unburnt bricks, building stones)- Surveying Control Points of photogrammetry and ste-reophotogrammetry to document profi le or area docu-mentation- Other activities (surveying the probe perimeter, deter-mining differences in elevations etc.)

Surveys were evaluated and processed on a daily basis for the documentation purposes. In 2010, Susanne Geck in cooperation with Tibor Lieskovský proposed

Fig. 2 Example of the setting draw-ing of planned probes (green used for square cor-ners of the 10 m x 10 m grid, red is used for planned micro-probes, blue shows auxiliary points). Project Tell Fekheriye.

Fig. 3 Example of set out microprobes in the fi eld. Photo: Project Tell Fekheriye.

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a system of codes for the research area (Tab. 1). The transition to code surveying and its implementation in the CAD system has signifi cantly reduced the survey processing time, making it possible to hand over the processed surveying and CAD design (Fig. 4) with exactly defi ned notation and distribution of elements into layers in a short time period after survey completion. The methodology proposed in this manner signifi cantly eliminated the risk of inadvertent errors.

A list of coordinates and 3D CAD drawing was prepared for every day of research serving as a basis for archiving and further processing of measurements. The coordinates of small fi nds provided for every signifi cant fi nd separately directly in its description were identifi ed from the list of coordinates. Similarly, ground elevations of particular contexts were controlled and added in the documentation. The planimetric component served as a supplement to the drawing documentation. The control points for photogrammetry and stereo-photogrammetry purposes served for so called internal and external orientation of the respective photographs. The information processed in this manner may serve as a spatial basis for the 3D GIS system and for intra-site analyses.

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE TELL AREAThe key activity of the years 2009 and 2010 was

detailed 3D surveying of the Tell area and its close surroundings, including archaeological, recent, and natural elements. A digital model of the relief created

in 2005 and 2006 represented the fi rst 3D survey of the Tell after almost 60 years, in 3 weeks almost 1,300 points were surveyed and these provided the primary information on the state of the location after decades of intense agricultural and construction activity. Regarding the vast Tell area (90 ha) and many other geodetic activities (comprehensive establishment of new Control Points, mapping of the location planimetry) the model created in this manner did not allow us to fully cover all the needs and issues of the carried out research by its particularity and resolution power. Thus in 2009 and 2010 it was condensed, its detailedness and resolution power were increased especially in the archaeologically exposed areas (Upper City, Roman Fort). Concurrently, it was supplemented by 3D survey of the current as well as the surface archaeological probes and signifi cant recent destructions (a market place on the western side of the Lower City, brickworks in the northern part of the Upper City etc.). Moreover, it was extended (for now) in the western and northern parts of the Tell and for the purposes of geophysical survey partially also in the southern part of the Upper City. Surveying was performed in 2009 using single-frequency GPS receiver Trimble R3 rover, however, regarding the absence of differential GPS corrections for the respective area (due to geo-political reasons) it was not possible to process the surveys yet. Thus in 2010, mapping with the use of high-performance total station Trimble S6 was carried out. The advantage of this solution consists in higher accuracy of survey compared to GPS (<1cm as a standard), a possibility to survey areas inaccessible for

TOP 0000 top outline of a locus/contextINT 0000 intermediate outline of a locus/contextBAS 0000 base outline of a locus/contextNAI 0000 drawing control pointDET 0000 detail of a locus/context, e.g. individual mud bricksSOL site/trench outlineLET 0000 level at the top of a locus/contextLEI 0000 level at any intermediate level of a locus/contextLEB 0000 level at the base of a locus/contextPRG 0000 ground control point for rectfi ed photographyPRGL 0000 ground control point for rectfi ed photography - by refl ectorlessmeasurementPRP 0000 control point for rectifi ed photography in sections and elevation of wallsPRPL 0000 control point for rectifi ed photography in sections and elevation of walls - by refl ectorless measurementPST 0000 control point for stereo photogrammetryPSTL 0000 control point for stereo photogrammetry - by refl ectorless measurementTF 0000 spot location of small or other fi nd (one measurement)TFO 0000 outline of a fi ndTFI 0000 inclination of a fi nd, sometimes it might be interesting to record the inclination of a fi nd (min. 2 measurements)

Dra

win

gsH

eight

Phot

ogra

mm

etry

Find

s

Tab. 1 Codes for total station surveys Tell Fekheriye. Project Tell Fekheriye.

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GPS (vegetation, built-up areas), higher speed of survey (elimination of necessity of multi-second observation in each point). On the other hand, the disadvantages include the need for constant alignment of the instrument after transfer to a new position and thus also the need to constantly expand and condense the detailed Control Points regarding extreme temperature differences and high scintilation of atmosphere in some parts of the day meant a problem while trying to maintain a high level of accuracy of the survey. Surveying was performed on the fi eld edges (crest line and valley line) which formed a frame of the relief morphology since they covered the places with signifi cant changes of the relief curvature. The relief frame created in this manner was supplemented and condensed by means of regularly spaced points on the ground surface whose spacing was changed in relation to the fi eld segmentation and morphology. Surveying with application of this methodology allowed for detailed 3D displaying and visualization of all signifi cant elements such as archaeological probes, existing historical walls, ditches and ramparts, fortifi cation or agricultural terraces in the Upper City created artifi cially in the second half of the 20th century. During surveying a system of codes for the Tell area and the background was created which was fully adjusted to the needs of the 3D topographic and 2D planimetric survey. As in the case of surveying in the research area, this system contributed to signifi cant improvement of time effi ciency of survey processing and its visualization. The substantial advantage also involved a possibility to combine and allocate several codes to a single point thus ensuring the possibility of its use for several purposes during processing. For example, the “DEM HMB OR” chain ensured that during processing the same point had been evaluated also as a 3D point entering the creation of the relief digital model “DEM – Digital Elevation Model”, while concurrently during

drawing of the planimetric component it had been evaluated as a point of the construction from unburnt bricks “HMB – House MudBrick” and at the same time it also served as an auxiliary orientation point “OR – Orientation”.

Survey processing was carried out on a daily basis using the Auto CAD Civil 3D software whose functions are determined for surveying tasks and activities. The points positioned in the area were combined to create a so-called Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN), which was subsequently supplemented by the information, field edges, and fractures and finally it was smoothed and condensed by means of the Kriging interpolation method with resolution of 0.5 m x 0.5 m. Such digital field model could be visualized further by applying various methods (by contour lines, by hypsometrical map, etc etc.) depending on the research needs.

PLANIMETRIC DOCUMENTATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES ON THE TELL AREA

The archaeological structures recorded and found within the Tell position mapping in most cases represented remains from the Roman Period especially the remains of the fort situated in the north-west of the acropolis area which was surveyed with high punctuality thus recording the details of its structure. (Fig. 5)

Furthermore, there were remains of the architecture from the aforementioned period. When these were recorded in their original position, their complete layout was surveyed on a visible surface. If these were fi nds in secondary positions, their position and aspect of the main axes in regard to the cardinal points was recorded (Fig. 6)

Fig. 4 Example of the probe daily survey process-ing. Project Tell Fekheriye.

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In the case of sporadic small fi nds (coins, pottery fragments etc.) their position in the local coordinate system was recorded. As a matter of interest, it is possible to mention the fi nd of a brick fragment with a sculptured Roman inscription LIII – Parthica, which refers to the operation of the Third Roman Legion in the respective territory (quotation)? (Fig. 7)

Documenting the areas of archaeological research from the previous periods meant an important component

of mapping archaeological structures. These areas were surveyed in the case of 3D options while recording their edges, current depth and eventually the existing internal structures of remains. In this way, for example, the archaeological probes excavated by the American team (Fig. 8) or probes on the acropolis from the years 2006 - 2007 were recorded. The information on the position of historical archaeological probes represents an important component for building geographical information on the entire archaeological location.

Fig. 5 View of the Tell acropolis and remains of the Roman fort (a bottom part of the picture). Project Tell Fekheriye.

Fig. 6 Remains of building blocks from the Roman period. Photo: Project Tell Fekheriye.

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PLANIMETRIC DOCUMENTATION OF CURRENT STRUCTURES ON THE TELL AREA AND ITS DESTRUCTION

Along with work on the detailed area surveying of the complete Tell area, the current Tell structures were also documented. These works served both for planimetric documentation of the current structures (roads, cemeteries, irrigation, built-up areas) and for documentation of the Tell’s destruction and its scope for the historical period.

The Tell acropolis is situated on the territory of the Islamic cemetery whose scope was documented in 2005 and 2006. At present, this area does not serve for active burial since a newly-built cemetery on the opposite side of the acropolis is used for these purposes. This newly-built cemetery is divided into two parts – Islamic and Christian, whose scope had to be re-documented regarding the increasing area.

Similarly, there are several roads on the Tell area, whether reinforced

or not, their documentation proved to be contributive also due to the possibility of so called geo-reference (placing in their spatial position) of historical aerial photos and plans.

The very item covered documentation of the built-up area on the Tell’s territory and concrete and clay buildings could be distinguished during mapping. The buildings were situated in several settlements or they were represented by various solitary structures such as brickworks, waste dump and so on.

Mapping of these structures documented destruction or potential destruction of the Tell area. The territory itself was substantially destroyed in the western part of the Tell by erecting sheep market buildings along the main road leading to the municipality of Tell Halaf, while a significant part of the territory was excavated in places where existence of the historical walling of the Tell is expected. Current construction activities also potentially threaten a northern part of Tell close to the main road with several buildings and a cluster of buildings.

Surveying these negative phenomena may contribute to the increased future protection of the site as well as determine especially new unwanted interventions. Comparison of the current and historical plans of the location may enable evaluation of the amount of damaged and destroyed areas from the archaeological point of view and document changes on the Tell area in the course of decades.

Fig. 7 The inscription found during geodetic survey of the Tell area referring to the operations of the Third Roman Legion. Photo: Project Tell Fekheriye.

Fig. 8 Remains of an archaeological survey from the 1990’s (bottom part). Project Tell Fekheriye.

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GEODETIC SUPPORT OF GEO-PHYSICAL SURVEYDuring the year 2010 we conducted a vast geo-

physical survey on the Tell acropolis. For the purposes of geo-physical surveying it was inevitable to design and set out a square grid with dimensions 50m x 50m which formed a basis for gradual area survey as well as to survey the position of a geo-electric profile (Fig. 9).

During grid setting-out it was found to be essential to map also the southern part of the Tell area due to several reasons. First of all, it was necessary from the pragmatic point of view since no mapping had been done so far and the geo-physical research also focused on recording potential historical fortifi cation in the respective part. It was also necessary for documentation of elements disturbing the geo-physical survey and thus also the fi nal map of geo-physical structures, especially the activities related to irrigation and the road network.

The results of the geo-physical survey processed by a team of surveyor should be subsequently placed in the space (to geo-reference) by means of the existing square grid, thus enabling interpretation of

the recorded archaeological structures in the space (Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, Fig. 12).

CONCLUSIONGeodetic and topographic research at Tell Fekheriye

represented a set of activities extending from renewal and building of Control Points, through setting-out and documentation works on the archaeological research area, 3D survey of the Tell area and its surroundings up to mapping of archaeological and recent structures located on the Tell. They form an essential basis for archaeological activities on the Tell and their documentation. In 2009 and 2010, there was successful follow up of previous works on the topographical processing of the location, extension of the mapped area as well as a substantial increase of detailedness and differentiability of the existing maps. Apart from a more detailed view of the location, the maps created in this manner also enable comparison of its changes in the course of decades and documentation of unwanted recent interventions caused by human beings and vast agricultural activity. The set and scope of these activities cannot be deemed completed in the plans for further seasons. It was necessary to further extend the scope of the mapped

Fig. 9 A square grid for the purpose of the geo-physical survey. Project Tell Fekheriye.

Grid for the purpose of the geo-physical survey

Geo-electrical resistant measurement

Trenches (Season 2010)

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territory, to fi nish mapping of the Tell area and its close surroundings and to supplement and increase the detailedness of surveys on archaeologically interesting parts (e.g. the southern part of the Tell acropolis, recent Islamic cemetery, surrounding of the Khabur river). Unfortunately, development of the geo-political situation in Syria since 2011 has prevented continuation of further research and geodetic activities directly on the Tell area. Thus we consider it essential to use the already acquired

data and historical documents for activities such as building of a geographical information system (GIS) for the location, processing of available historical aerial and satellite photos, digitization of the existing historical maps of the location and to make the best possible use of the available information from the documents processed in this manner. We also need to apply spatial analyses which might help us achieve a better understanding of the Tell Fekheriye location issues.

Fig. 10 Spatially localized results of geo-physical survey. Project Tell Fekheriye.

Fig. 11 Results of geo-electric resistance measurement. Project Tell Fekheriye.

Grid for the purpose of the geo-physical survey

Geo-electrical resistant measurement

Trenches (Season 2010)

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

BONATZ 2011 –D. Bonatz, Der Tell: Topographie, http://www.

Fekheriye.de/pdf/03_topographie.pdf (Datum: 18.05.2011).

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Tibor Lieskovský, Drahoslav Hulínek, Daniel Kendrala

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CONTENT

INTRODUCTIONDRAHOSLAV HULÍNEK

SECTION A. PROJECT TELL FEKHERIYE

1. TELL FEKHERIYE – AN INTRODUCTION TO THE CURRENT STATE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCHDOMINIK BONATZ

2. THE NEOLITHIC AT TELL FEKHERIYEANNIKA HOTZAN-TCHABASHVILI

3. RESEARCH ON THE C-IV TRENCH IN A BROADER CONTEXT OF THE EXCAVATIONS CONDUCTED AT TELL FEKHERIYE, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE MIDDLE ASSYRIAN PERIODDRAHOSLAV HULÍNEK

4. GEODETIC SURVEYS AND TOPOGRAPHY AT THE TELL FEKHERIYE LOCATIONTIBOR LIESKOVSKÝ, DRAHOSLAV HULÍNEK, DANIEL KENDRALA

SECTION B. PROJECT BUDMERICE

5. THE 2010 TRIAL EXCAVATIONS OF A FORTIFIED SETTLEMENT AT BUDMERICE. PRELIMINARY REPORTJÚLIUS VAVÁK

6. A NOTE ON SPIRITUAL LIFE OF THE MAĎAROVCE CULTUREPAVOL JELÍNEK

7. ENVIRONMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY USE – ARCHAEOBOTANYJANA HLAVATÁ

5

9

13

31

39

59

73

77

89

111

196

SECTION C. ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN CENTRAL NORTH-EASTERN PETÉN, GUATEMALA

8. NEW STUCCO MASKS FROM UAXACTUN: INTERPRETATION, CONSERVATION AND DOCUMENTATION OF EXTRAORDINARY PRECLASSIC MAYA ARTMILAN KOVÁC, ALICE DESPRAT, CARLOS PALLÁN GAYOL

9. NEW MAYA OBSERVATORY IDENTIFIED IN UAXACTÚN, GUATEMALAMILAN KOVÁC, VLADIMÍR KARLOVSKÝ

10. VOLCANIC ASH IN ANCIENT MAYA CERAMICS. MINERALOGICAL AND PETROGRAPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MAYA CERAMICS FROM UAXACTÚN, GUATEMALA.MILOŠ GREGOR, MILAN KOVÁC, BRANISLAV KOVÁR

11. EXCAVATIONS AT THE SQUARE PLAZA DE TAYRA, TZ´IBATNAH –NORTHEASTERN PETÉN, GUATEMALADRAHOSLAV HULÍNEK, EVA HULÍNKOVÁ-TUCHOVÁ

LIST OF FIGURES

CONTENT

ABBREVIATIONS

INDEX

121

125

143

157

171

187

195

199

201

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