Testimony of Stones: A New Method in Ancient Traffic Analysis

Duration

2025 – 2026

Contact

Murat Dirican

Funding

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)-PF

Partners

Ephesos Excavation – The Austrian Archaeological Institute
Kerkenes Excavation – University of Central Florida USA | Middle East Technical University Turkey
Leiden University Faculty of Archaeology – Host Institution | Department of Archaeological Science – Computational Archaeology
Middle East Technical University – Secondment Institution | Mining Engineering Department- Rock Mechanics Laboratory

Scientific Relevance

Archaeologists can often identify routes and spaces used in the past, but rarely can they empirically estimate how intensively those spaces were used. This project addresses that gap by introducing a new methodology that combines rock mechanics, tribology, use-wear analysis, and computational modelling.

By transforming abrasion traces into measurable archaeological data, the project aims to establish a quantitative approach to movement studies. The research will also expand the scope of use-wear analysis beyond traditional artefacts such as tools and grinding stones to include architectural elements, potentially opening entirely new directions for archaeological interpretation.

Social Relevance

Every city tells a story through its streets, buildings, and monuments. Yet one of the most fundamental aspects of urban life—the intensity of human movement—remains largely invisible in the archaeological record. This project seeks to reveal how people moved through ancient cities by studying the wear preserved on stone pavements and thresholds.

The research has implications far beyond archaeology. Understanding long-term patterns of movement can contribute to modern discussions on urban design, crowd management, and heritage conservation. The project can also provide new tools for predicting and mitigating visitor-related wear at archaeological sites, helping heritage managers protect vulnerable monuments for future generations.

Posted by murat dirican on 27.06.2026 under