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examination. The main role in the proposed algorithm plays a
notion “information value”. Unfortunately, from the author’s
experience follows that majority of geophysicists and
archaeologists have troubles with accepting this approach.
Objects of archaeological study occur at a small depth and,
consequently, the distance Ax between profile observation
points usually varies from 20 cm to one meter. Distance Ay
between profiles may not exceed Ax by more than three times
and ideally Ay must equal to Ax. Selection of a magnetic sensor
level (practically it ranges in interval of 0.1 - 3 meters) depends
on the concrete archaeological/geological situation.
interpretation at archaeological sites (after Khesin et al., 1996,
with modifications)
According to our experience [Eppelbaum and Khesin, 2001;
Eppelbaum et al., 2000a,2000b,2001,2003a] the general scheme
of geophysical data processing and interpretation at
archaeological sites may be composed using the following
procedures presented in flow-chart (Figure 1).
Figure 2. Exposed remains of walls in the central part of
Emmaus-Nicopolis site
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMMAUS-
NICOPOLIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Christian archaeological site Emmaus-Nicopolis is well known
in the ancient and Biblical history. The site (its fragment is
shown in Figure 2) located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel
Aviv, first built in the 5th century, over the site believed to be
the place where Jesus appeared to two of his disciples after his
resurrection. The Crusaders rebuilt it on a smaller scale in the
12th century (Mayer, 1996). Nicopolis is assumed in almost all
Christian Pilgrim texts from the 4th century onward. In 221
C.E. the Emperor Elagabalus gave Emmaus the title of city and
the name Nicopolis.
The primary aim of magnetic investigations at this site was
detecting underground tunnels (caves) partially investigated at
the eastern part of the area. However, purpose of our
investigations was suddenly changed during the field
exploration.
