Geophysical prospecting in archaeology: investigations in Santa Venera, south suburb of Poseidonia-Paestum, Campania, southern Italy

This paper is the result of a joint work between geophysicists and archaeologists in which the
authors have used geophysical techniques to investigate the Greek and Roman settlement of
Paestum, southern Italy for preventive archaeological research (commonly termed 'rescue
archaeology') on an area of the ancient settlement affected by new building work and
infrastructure. Starting from a background analysis of the archaeological and geological
features of the site, an integrated geophysical approach based on magnetic, GPR and
geoelectrical surveys was carried out on the Santa Venera area, a site selected to build a car
parking. High-density and high-resolution cross-correlated geophysical surveys were carried
out in different parts of the area to better resolve the structures. Systematic excavations
confirmed the clues suggested by geophysical prospecting about the presence of
archaeological remains such as walls, canals and tombs. By the use of non-destructive
geophysical techniques a two-fold aim was reached: to properly plan the building of the
infrastructure and preserve the ancient artefacts according