EVALUATION
The AFP-99 project, NEW APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF THE URBAN
DYNAMICS AND ARCHITECTURE OF AN ANCIENT CITY, is being concluded as outlined in the
application. Data collection, high level data processing and digitisation from processed
data have been completed. Data from ground-truthing (visible surface features) and
geophysics (sub-surface features) have been interpreted and compared with each other in
the embryonic production of a map that displays the different aspects of the urban
infrastructure. A map showing our present understanding of the urban blocks and other main
features of the city, such as the reservoirs, has been produced. As stated before, due to
the archaeological nature of the material, the scheme of classification is dynamic and
will be continually refined as further research adds greater precision and firmer
interpretation.
The study that has been carried out has important implications for the development of
research design at Kerkenes and, by extension, at other ancient urban sites. The radical
new approach that has here been pioneered, defines major outstanding questions relating to
a deeper and wider understanding of the urban dynamics of ancient cities and, further,
suggests how the strategy of future research should be directed in a coherent and
comprehensive way that will ensure the maximum gain in information and understanding in
return for the outlay of expertise and resources.
