Exploring Alternative Survey Methods in Northern Mesopotamia. The Case of the Navkur Plain and the Application of a Multi-Source Approach (MSA) for Detecting Anthropogenic Evidence through Remote Sensing

Northern Mesopotamia has been the focus of numerous archaeological surveys employing a variety of techniques to more precisely identify ancient settlements and sites. A significant advancement in survey methodologies has been the integration of aerial and, later, satellite imagery among the sources of information that have facilitated and accelerated the identification of a growing number of potential archaeological sites. In recent years, a new range of digital data has attracted the interest of archaeologists due to its potential to detect traces of ancient anthropogenic soils. This article presents a first application of such imagery for the identification of archaeological sites in selected areas of the Navkur plain, where surveys have been conducted using more traditional methods. This approach allows for a preliminary assessment of the usefulness of these data sources through the verification of previously unidentified positive or negative sites. At the same time, information on the type, function, and chronology of the archaeological evidence will be provided, offering an initial insight into the potential of this technique for refining settlement models across different historical periods.