Non-invasive Investigations at Madīnat Ilbīra, one of the Early Islamic Towns in Al-Andalus

Abstract

The paper presents the results of non-invasive investigations conducted at the archaeological site of Madīnat Ilbīra – a medieval town located in the centre of the plain of Granada and the capital of one of the kūras of al-Andalus. Three methods were applied during the survey: terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), electrical resistance (profiling) and magnetometry. Altogether, the survey covered an area greater than 30 ha. In spite of drastic transformations and the levelling of the primary surface across the majority of the site’s area, the research produced important data concerning the presumed location of a citadel, as well the extent of the urban space. Magnetic anomalies registered in the course of the survey allowed the researchers to locate the outlines of walls and hearths (or kilns) and indicated the presence of a regular spatial layout at least in some districts of the site.