Vix and the Surrounding Area Vix, France 21400 Outline Geophysical Survey Report.

Abstract

Paul Cheetham and Ashely Green were commissioned by Chargé de recherche CNRS, Université de Bourgogne to carry out a programme of geophysical survey at three sites in Vix and the surrounding area. Over 50 individual surveys were undertaken in the two week survey period utilised combinations of electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical imaging (sometimes termed geoelectrical imaging or electrical tomography), and ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques (not included in this report), to investigate areas of archaeological potential. The results from these surveys have improved our archaeological understanding of all three sites. Specifically we can confidently state: 1. That the structure of the “Lady of Vix” tumulus is shown to be complex in terms of either the original structure, later disturbances, or a combination of both. 2. On the river floodplain northeast of the village of Vix, a triple linear feature was defined in an area poorly defined on the magnetic gradiometry due to the depth of the archaeological remains, as well as finding evidence of associated settlement activities. 3. That the major ditch and rampart system on the eastern flank of Mont Lassois can be delineated effectively by electrical imaging techniques, making further study of the system possible using non-invasive approaches..