Geophysical prospecting of the bronze age site Velikent in 2007

Velikent in Dagestan on western shore of the Caspian Sea is one of known archaeological sites associated with the Kura-Araxes horizon (late 4 th - early 3 rd mill. BC). Since 1994 the site was excavated by the Dagestan-American expedition. The remains of the early settlement at Velikent occupy the tops of five natural hillocks up to 9 meters in height. At 2007 electric measurements have been carried out in separate 3 sets. On mound IV (set A) survey covered practically all the site. At mound I (set B) measurements have been taken intentionally at the area being during last 20 years intensively used for pasture and agriculture activities. Having positive results in such conditions one could plan similar activity in less destroyed parts of the site. Finally a test at the area 10 χ 20 meters (set C) has been carried out close to the place laying west to the mound II. Geo-electrical survey confirmed efficiency of the method in localization of archaeological objects. However, trial pits in the places of the most significant anomalies seem to be necessary in planning future surveys.