A Multi-Methodological Approach to Archaeological Survey in the Central Bekaa, Lebanon
Pages 293 to 294
Cite this article
- RAJAB, Khaldoun,
- BENECH, Christophe
- and CHAHOUD, Jwana,
- Rajab, Khaldoun.,
- et al.
- Rajab, K.,
- Benech, C.
- and Chahoud, J.
Cite this article
- Rajab, K.,
- Benech, C.
- and Chahoud, J.
- Rajab, Khaldoun.,
- et al.
- RAJAB, Khaldoun,
- BENECH, Christophe
- and CHAHOUD, Jwana,
Introduction
1 Located between Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon, the Central Bekaa Plain is a key cultural corridor of the ancient Near East. Fertile soils, perennial water sources such as the Litani River, and strategic trade connections made this region a long-inhabited area from the Palaeolithic era (Newson, 2016) through historical times. The area of Anjar, Majdel Anjar, and Deir Zanoun includes sites spanning from Neolithic settlements to medieval towns (Marfoe, 1995). This study aims to reassess the regional archaeological record through an integrated prospection strategy.
Methods
2 A multi-scalar methodological protocol was implemented. Pedestrian survey using 50x50 m grids and systematic transects was conducted, guided by GNSS and mobile GIS (Mergin Maps). Geophysical methods included magnetometry (with dual-sensor fluxgate gradiometers) and GPR (400 MHz antenna), applied on six sites to detect subsurface architecture. Satellite imagery (Corona Cast) and UAV-based aerial photography supported the identification of cropmarks, soil anomalies, and site extents (Lodewijckx & Pelegrin, 2011). Data integration into QGIS allowed correlation of prospection data and environmental variables.
Results
3 At Tell el-Salhiye/Chamssine, the integration of ground survey, geophysical survey, remote sensing (including Corona Cast and Google Earth imagery), and GIS analysis enabled a comprehensive understanding of site dynamics, preservation status, and architectural layout. Magnetometry revealed rectilinear subsurface anomalies corresponding to wall foundations, confirming the architectural structure suggested by the Corona image from the 1960s. The comparison with present-day satellite imagery highlights significant degradation due to urban expansion. Preservation mapping indicates that the core tell remains under agricultural use, but peripheral areas have been partially built over or destroyed (figure 1). Surface artifact distributions show a concentration of Chalcolithic and Medieval material, suggesting long-term and possibly multi-phase occupation. Survey, satellite imagery and topographic modeling revealed new settlement features nearby the site, including traces of masonry structures quarries and hydrological infrastructure not previously recorded. The combination of methods confirmed that this site is part of broader regional systems.
The site of Tell el-Salhiye/Chamssine.
The site of Tell el-Salhiye/Chamssine.
Conclusion
4 More broadly, this multi-proxy methodology allowed the identification and classification of various types of archaeological features across the Central Bekaa: including settlement mounds (tells), stone-built architecture, burial caves, quarries, cisterns, and ancient water infrastructures that had remained undocumented until now. The integrative survey led to a secure archaeological assessment of 91 sites, forming the scientific basis for proposing a regional protection and management strategy. This initiative is especially urgent in light of the increasing threats to heritage from post-conflict urban expansion and infrastructure development in Lebanon.
References
- Lodewijckx, M., Pelegrin, R., 2011. Aerial Archaeology and Remote Sensing in Landscape Archaeology. Archaeopress, Oxford.
- Marfoe, L., 1995. Kamid el-Loz 13. The Prehistoric and Early Historic context of the site. Saarbrücker Beiträge zur Altertumskunde, 41.
- Newson, P., 2016. Archaeological Landscapes of the Bekaa: Past Results and Future Prospects. Berytus, LVI, 280.
Uploaded: 10/28/2025