Karakorum - geomagnetic survey and topographic mapping of the first capital of the Mongol world empire

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Jan Bemmann; Dr. Sven Linzen
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 283176801

Despite long years of research we still lack a complete topographical measurement and geomagnetic survey of Karakorum, the first capital of the Mongol Empire and best known archaeological site of Mongolia. We want to clear this deficit by the means of the combined measurement system already successfully taken to the test by us in Mongolia. This motorized system uses SQUID-based magnetic field sensors (magnetometer and gradiometer) and a precise differential GPS unit. This combination of sensors achieves not only exact lateral localization of the SQUID data but also immediate three-dimensional scanning of the ground surface during measurement, which allows us to generate topological maps with an altitudinal resolution of under 10 cm. The analysis of this data will enable us for the first time to estimate the extent of the built area inside and outside the city wall of Karakorum, to assess the inner functional division of the city, to identify buildings with burnt bricks, that is to say to locate buildings constructed in a more prominent and elaborate fashion, to differentiate varying structures of the numerous walls, and to gain insight into the construction of the different graves in the extensive cemetery. Additionally, with the help of these measurements and survey complemented by a targeted pedestrian survey we will map the long overdue assessment of damages of this UNESCO world heritage site as well as exactly localize all old excavations, of some of which there are no documents left. This systematic documentation of the walled city and its immediate surroundings will hopefully put us in a better position as to set future research on a solid basis, to design projects and research objectives more accurately.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants