Integrated application of geophysical methods for investigation of the Al-Berktain archaeological site in the city of Jerash, Jordan

The application of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) techniques involving the Wenner and Schlumberger electrode configurations was conducted at the ancient site of Al-Berktain of Jerash, N-Jordan during June, 2011. It may be considered as the first archaeogeophysical survey at this site. The city lived by succession of ancient cultures and still has archaeological remains (e.g. water pools) which gave it historical value and boosted the archaeological interest to make this study. The objective of the work was to determine the layout, dimension, and the depth of expected buried structures (i.e. water channels related to the pool structure) within the site, and to provide recommendations for future excavation projects. The results showed high resistivity anomalies (red color) located within the site. These anomalies were interpreted as a part of a general infrastructure of ancient man-made buried channels or supporting basins draining out or feeding water to the two the water pools especially at the western and eastern sides. Inside the pool (the main structure in the site), results of the survey showed anomalous thin shallow zone interpreted as a layer limestone pavement of a thickness of 1 m. The ERT successfully determined the dimensions of the buried features and proved that this site was water reservoirs to serve the ancient city of Jerash or irrigations purposes beside its use for leisure (i.e. presence of the theatre, roman path and the pools).