Geophysical Exploration for Archaeological Ruins North of Senusret I Pyramid, El-Lisht Area, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract A pioneer geophysical investigation utilizing magnetic gradiometry, ground-penetrating radar, and electrical resistivity tomography was conducted in the eastern area of Senusret I pyramid, El-Lisht area, Giza, Egypt, to identify all possible archaeological features and/or ancient historical remains. A high-resolution magnetic gradient survey was conducted at two selected areas (A & B) east of the pyramid using the FM256 instrument to measure the vertical magnetic gradient and identify any possible extension of a few traces of the mudbrick features observed at some places of the study area. Subsequently, 60 GPR and 3 ERT lines were conducted in area A to confirm the resulting magnetic anomalies. Further, 14 GPR lines were carried out in area C to investigate any possible near-surface features between areas A and B. The magnetic data in areas A and B revealed several high magnetic anomalies that are very likely indicative of buried mud bricks structures and scattered granitic blocks. GPR data in areas A and C showed numerous hyperbolic features varying in size and amplitude, which have been interpreted as possible limestone structures and/or mud bricks walls. ERT results in area A depicted high resistivities that were interpreted by the magnetic gradiometry data as mud bricks walls. Integrating the findings from magnetic, GPR, and ERT surveys indicates the presence of ruins of a part of an ancient temple, potentially constructed from mud bricks in the 12th Dynasty. The integrated results emphasize the importance of applying more than one geophysical method at the same location to highlight the promising monuments that certainly require further excavation and restoration efforts to develop the area for future tourism programs.