Ground-penetrating radar prospections at the Roman Domus of Mdina (Malta)

Ground-penetrating radar mapping allows for a three-dimensional analysis of archaeological features within the context of landscape studies. The method's ability to measure the intensity of radar reflections from deep in the ground can produce images and maps of buried features not visible on the surface. A study was conducted in some areas near the Domus Romana in Rabat (Malta) in order to investigate the buried archaeological structures. The purpose of the ground-penetrating radar survey was to guide the excavation operations (not yet started due to covid 19) and to allow us to understand the probable course of the defensive walls of the city and any other structures related to the Roman villa. The choice of the areas to be investigated was therefore guided both by the previous archaeological excavations and by the considerations made above. The ground-penetrating radar results made it possible to solve some of the aspects related to the questions posed by the archaeologists, highlighting part of the structures related to the defensive walls, part of the structures related to water supply and conservation and part of the wall structures related to the Roman villa.