Geophysical prospection,archaeological excavation,and dating in two Hellenic pyramids

Geophysical prospection employing magnetometry and electromagnetic measurements has been applied in and around two small sized pyramids of Hellenikon and Ligourio in Argolid, Greece. The magnetic anomalies appropriately assessed were interpreted as possible archaeological targets. Subsequent test excavations revealed the presence of room foundations and parts of walls, as well as a plethora of ceramic ware. Typological study of the ceramics classified them to as early as the proto-Helladic period and to as late as the first centuries A.D. The earlier periods have been also confirmed by a novel application of thermoluminescence (TL) dating of ceramics and the megalithic stones themselves. The present results question earlier attempts classifying these pyramids at the Classical period and favour much earlier periods.