Archaeoacoustic research in the ancient castle of Gropparello in Italy

Paolo Debertolis*, Daniele Gullà**, Francesca Piovesana*

*Department of Medical Sciences - University of Trieste, Italy

**SB Research Group, Bologna, Italy

Abstract - Archaeoacoustics provides a way of offering new interpretations on anthropological questions pertaining to ancient architecture and populations. We made an archaeoacoustic analysis of a medieval castle (Gropparello) in Italy built over a likely ancient sacred site known from Celtic period of that area. Our results show a great number of physical phenomena that appear to exist only within the area of the castle but they are not detectable in the surrounding neighborhood. In particular we found infrasounds, audible low frequencies and spiral magnetic fields able to affect brain activity. We can presume that the myth of a sacred site pre-existing in the location where the castle was built is real. The site seems to have the same characteristics we found in other sacred sites in Europe and Asia.

Keywords – archaeoacoustics, Gropparello, vibrations.

Proceedings in the Congress “The 5^th Virtual International Conference on Advanced Research in Scientific Areas” (ARSA-2016) Slovakia,  November 9 - 11, 2016: pp. 98-104.

(http://www.arsa-conf.com).

Published by: EDIS - Publishing Institution of the University of Zilina, Univerzitná 1, 01026 Žilina, Slovak Republic.

ISBN: 978-80-554-0958-0, ISSN: 1338-9831

You can find the original paper in English by SBRG here.

You can find the original paper from the congress web site here.

Archaeoastronomy at Kanda geoglyph, Macedonia

Paolo Debertolis*, Domagoj Nikolić**, Natalia Tarabella***

 *Department of Medical Sciences - University of Trieste, Italy

**Rochester Institute of Technology, Dubrovnik, Croatia

***SB Research Group, Italy

Abstract - This paper extends our previous research of an artificial mound in Kanda (Macedonia) from an archaeoastronomical point of view. In two previous papers, SB Research Group explained its archaeoacoustic research and established the existence of several cavities, likely burial chambers, inside the mound. This mound is essentially a massive earthwork, which, on its top contains two concentric - approximately oval frames and a large geoglyph in the center which resembles the mirror image of the Constellation of Cassiopeia. Through analyzing the symbolism of the Macedonian royal dynasty and through dating by the method of the precession of equinoxes, we established that the geoglyph is precisely pointing to Alexander’s birthday in the calendar. The precise alignment of the rising Sun, Cassiopeia and geoglyph on Alexander’s birthday in 356 B.C. suggests that geoglyph contains something related to him, possibly his tomb or the tomb of a close relative.

Keywords - geoglyph, Alexander the Great, archaeoastronomy, archaeoacoustics.

This scientific paper was published on the issue of December 2016 (Volume 4, Number 2) of the Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology, ISSN 2334-2420 (Print Version) 2334-2439 (Online Version): pp. 59-71.

You can find the original paper in English here.

You can find the original paper from the journal web site here.

Archaeoacoustic Analysis of Tarxien Temples in Malta

Paolo Debertolis*, Nina Earl**, Maja Zivić***

 *Department of Medical Sciences - University of Trieste, Italy

**SB Research Group, scientific assistant, London, UK

***National Museum Zaječar, Curator of Roman Palace Felix Romuliana, Gamzigrad, Serbia

Abstract - The Tarxien Temples in Malta were analysed from an archaeoacoustic point of view. As there is no roof present, it was not possible to find the resonance properties of the various chambers.  This investigation however, discovered an interesting low vibration originating from below the ground. The most likely explanation of its origin is due to the movement of underground water through geological faults.  This vibration appears to be transmitted through the megaliths, some of which have concavities or carved holes. Previous archaeological interpretation, has suggested these were likely to have been used to support the foundations of some sort of barrier or door, but without any supporting evidence. Using archaeoacoustic methods a new interpretation of these architectonic particularities is put forward, acting as some type of forerunner to speakers.

Keywords - Tarxien Temples, Malta, stone circle, resonance, brain activity, megalithic architecture.

Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology, ISSN 2334-2420 (Print Version) 2334-2439 (Online Version), vol. 4 n.1, pp 7-27, 2016

You can find the article draft in English here.

You can find the published article (E-Publication First^TM) on the Journal of Anthropology and Archaeology here.

Archaeoacoustics in ancient civilizations

How to approach this new complementary discipline to archaeology

Paolo Debertolis*, Nina Earl**

*Department of Medical Sciences - University of Trieste

   **SB Research Group, scientific assistant, London, UK

Astract - Archaeoacoustics is a relatively new approach to analyze any archaeological sites that has interesting acoustic characteristics. It can be used to demonstrate sound occurrences believed to have been incorporated into the design by the architects of certain structures. Another aspect of archaeoacoustic research can understand how such structures affect brain activity, useful during rites where an altered state of mind intensifies the experience. Natural phenomena can also influence the psychological state for example by inducing mystical states. We have demonstrated ancient civilizations had some knowledge of this phenomena, through understanding the significance specific locations were choosen for buildings such as temples. Using digital recording equipment, it is now possible to record non-audible sound frequency bands. These bands have a direct effect on the human body and mind without a person being aware of the existence of their accompanying mechanical vibrations. The hypothesis of SB research group is that at some archaeological sites, exists a measurable natural audio or electromagnetic phenomena that enhance its mystical properties. Following this line of research, interesting archaeoacoustic effects have been discovered at a number of sacred sites from Malta to Turkey and Serbia to Italy. Incorporating a neurophysiological approach, is adding weight to this hypothesis.

Keywords - archaeoacustics, ultrasounds, infrasounds, low frequency sound.

Proceedings of  International Conference: “ANCIENT GREECE AND THE MODERN WORLD - The Influence of Greek Thought on Philosophy, Science and Technology“, Conference Centre, International Olympic Academy, Ancient Olympia (Archaeological Site), Greece, 28-31 August 2016.

You can find the original paper in English here.