Stratigraphy, Geochemistry and Geochronometry of Sedimentary Archives Around Hisarlık Hill — a Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of this geoarchaeological pilot study is to investigate to what extent geochemical and geochronometric techniques can be used in order to decipher the landscape development around Hisarlik hill and to detect events that left traces in the sedimentary archives encircling the Troia settlement area. Three drill holes close to and one further away from the hill were sunk up to 23 m below ground level into the sediments at today’s footslope and alluvial plain positions. The stratigraphy and sedimentology of the cores were investigated. In addition, geochemical analyses as well as luminescence (OSL) and ¹⁴C dating were carried out on samples taken from the drill cores. Detailed stratigraphic and geochemical analyses are not only relevant for landscape reconstruction, but also for identifying the facies suitable for luminescence dating. Hill-slope sediments and some alluvial deposits are considered to yield reliable ages. Major landscape changes by sediment accumulation occurred during the Troia VI and IX periods.