Integration of urban archaeology and geophysical prospecting: the research on the public monumental complexes of Lupiae (Lecce).

Ongoing and extensive urbanization may threaten important archaeological structures that are still buried in the urban areas. Ground Penetrating Radar method is the most promising alternative for resolving buried archaeological structures in urban territories. In this paper a case study that involves a geophysical survey employing the surface three-dimensional (3D) GPR techniques, in order to archaeologically characterize the investigated areas. The last ones are located in the south-western sector of the historical center of Lecce (Apulia, Italy), where the modern city overlaps the main public monuments of the Roman municipium of Lupiae, only partially preserved or excavated: the amphitheatre, the theatre, the baths and maybe also the Forum. GPR measurements, integrated with the results of archaeological excavations and the topographical surveys of the preserved remains, were carried out in several areas regarding sectors of the ancient roman city. The GPR data were collected along a dense network of parallel profiles. The GPR sections were processed applying specific filters to the data in order to enhance their information content. The GPR images significantly contributed in reconstructing the complex subsurface properties in these modern urban areas. Strong GPR reflections anomalies were correlated with possible ancient structures and they were integrated in the digital archaeological map of the city.