Roman town of Ammaia

location
São Salvador de Aramenha (Marvão, Portalegre district, Portugal)
method
GPR
time
2022 / 04
Ammaia: Georadar data interpretation

In 2022, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were carried out at the Roman town of Ammaia by cmp in cooperation with SOT Prospecció Arqueològica. Founded in the 1st century AD and declining between the 5th and 9th centuries, Ammaia has been the focus of intensive archaeological research since the 1990s, including large-scale geophysical investigations during the RADIOPAST project (2009–2013).

The 2022 survey examined around 15,000 m² along the cardo maximus and a smaller area near the amphitheatre, using a multi-antenna GPR system with high-precision positioning. The data revealed extensive building remains, street networks, and multiple construction phases, reaching depths of up to two metres. Despite some limitations caused by vegetation and obstacles, the results confirmed and refined earlier magnetic, resistivity, and GPR surveys from 2008–2013, providing a more detailed picture of Ammaia’s urban layout and development.