Confirming Archaeological Excavation Results with Ground Penetrating
Radar: The Main Courtyard of Corvin Castle
Abstract
The conservation of historic cultural heritage sites is an endeavor that
often brings together a diverse group of methods and interests. Castelul
Corvinilor, also called Corvin’s Castle or Hunedoara Castle, in central
Transylvania (Hunedoara county, Romania) is no exception. The first
stone fortification of the medieval castle can be dated to the 14th
century and has undergone significant expansion since the original
structure was completed. The main building campaigns started in 1440
with the conversion of the fortress into a castle, followed by two more
major campaigns during the 17th and 19th centuries, including
restoration and remodeling of the original areas. The castle’s
historical significance and touristic value make conservation an
important goal for the site. This area has been the subject of limited
and opportunistic (salvage) archaeological investigations, hoping to
understand earlier phases of an administrative complex in the courtyard.
However, the excavations did not establish a complete stratigraphy. A
ground penetrating radar survey over most of the courtyard was conducted
with a 500 MHz antenna, including the main courtyard area. This GPR
survey of the courtyard was able to confirm some results of the
archaeological excavation and located additional structures which were
previously unknown. This presentation included analysis and
interpretation of the data in both radargrams and depth slices. They
reveal further horizons which indicate bedrock and possible reflections
from structures dating to even earlier phases of the site.