Using Geophysics to Characterize a Prehistoric Burial Mound in Romania

A geophysical investigation was carried across the M3 burial mound from Silvasu de Jos -Dealu apului, a tumuli necropolis in western Romania, where the presence of the Yamnaya people was certified archaeologically. For characterizing the inner structure of the mound, two conventional geophysical methods have been used: a geomagnetic survey and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The results allowed the mapping of the central features of the mound and the establishment of the relative stratigraphy of the mantle, which indicated at least two chronological phases. Archaeological excavations performed in the central part of the mound accurately validated the non-invasive geophysical survey and offered a valuable chronological record of the long-forgotten archaeological monument. Geophysical approaches proved to be an invaluable instrument for the exploration of the monument and suggest a fast constructive tool for the investigation of the entire necropolis which currently has a number of distinct mounds.

Automated summary

A geophysical investigation was conducted in western Romania to explore the M3 burial mound, where the presence of Yamnaya people was confirmed archaeologically. Geomagnetic survey and electrical resistivity tomography were used to characterize the inner structure of the mound and establish a relative stratigraphy. The archaeological excavations in the central part of the mound validated the non-invasive geophysical survey and provided a valuable chronological record.