High-Resolution GPR Surveys at Tyndaris and Gioiosa Guardia: preliminary non-invasive investigations for future archaeological research

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results from non-invasive geophysical surveys conducted in the urban area of Tyndaris and at the archaeological site of Gioiosa Guardia. The primary goal was to collect data guiding future archaeological investigations and to verify the continuity of known structures. A 500 MHz Ground PenetratingRadar (GPR), specially designed for high-resolution surveys in archaeological contexts, was used to detect buried features at depths of approximately two meters. Following a pseudo-grid survey design, data were processed (time-zero correction, background removal, band-pass filtering, diffraction-stack migration) to generate vertical radargrams as well as 2D and 3D maps.

At Tyndaris, investigations revealed significant anomalies associated with modern infrastructure and new architectural evidence near the so-called Basilica, possibly related to the ancient agora. At Gioiosa Guardia, newly discovered quadrangular features and a large rectilinear anomaly suggest an extension of the ancient settlement beyond previously excavated areas.

These findings underscore the importance of integrating geophysical methods, topographic surveys, and traditional archaeological analyses to build a comprehensive picture of settlement dynamics.

Future research will focus on expanding surveys with multiple GPR frequencies, magnetometry, and photogrammetric
data for a more complete understanding of subsurface stratigraphy and site development.