Integrated Geophysical Study of the Ancient City of Cabyle, Southern Bulgaria

Cabyle is one of the most important ancient cities in Southern Bulgaria with almost uninterrupted habitation for over a millennium between 4th c. BC and 6th c. The continuous human presence in the area has led to a spatial overlap and intertwining of diverse remains from several historical periods, the localization and contouring of which presents a great challenge for geophysical methods as well. The use of car-towed multisensor magnetic gradiometry was instrumental for mapping extensive areas and turning the focus on prospective locations, while possibly revealing a new bath complex beyond the city walls. ERT helped to distinguish geological faults from massive walls. GPR was most successful in outlining the plan of an important part of the Late Roman town, whereas aerial photography indicated a massive building with East-West orientation outside its limits. Archaeological excavations informed by the survey results demonstrated a very close match between the features on the GPR model and the excavated architectural remains. This case study may serve as a perfect illustration of the usefulness of integrated application of geophysical methods for strategic decision-making and long-term management plans of archaeological parks and monuments.