Uncovering Ancient Secrets Using Psychoacoustics: A Study of Mount Lykaion Sanctuary in Greece

Saturday - January 27 2024, 11:28 UTC - 10 months ago

Archaeologists at the University of Amsterdam used psychoacoustics to study the ancient Greek sanctuary of Zeus on Mount Lykaion. They discovered that sound played a significant role in the rituals and events at the site, with the hillside serving as a unique spectating site. This highlights the potential of using different senses for a more comprehensive understanding of ancient ruins.

The ancient world is full of mysteries waiting to be unlocked. And one of the latest innovative techniques used by archaeologists to uncover these secrets is psychoacoustics. In a groundbreaking study published in Open Archaeology, researchers at the University of Amsterdam used this method to gain greater insight into the ancient Greek sanctuary of Zeus on Mount Lykaion.For centuries, visual observations have been the primary method for studying ancient ruins .

However, recent advancements have allowed researchers to use other senses as well. Psychoacoustics studies how sounds are perceived by humans, and it was used in this study to analyze the acoustic qualities of the Mount Lykaion sanctuary.Over the course of four recording sessions between 2015 and 2022, the research team played pre-recorded sounds at various locations on the site, including white noise and speeches .

These sounds were then recorded using binaural recording, which mimics human ears and provides a more accurate understanding of sound interactions at different points of the sanctuary.In total, over 1600 recordings were made in 2022 alone, allowing the research team to analyze dozens of sound relationships. One of the most interesting findings was the role of the hillside west of the site.Other archaeologists had previously suggested that sounds from the sanctuary's hippodrome could be heard from the hillside .

The recordings confirmed this, indicating that the hillside likely served as an important spectating site for events at the sanctuary.But the researchers also switched the microphone and speaker positions, and found that sound from the hillside could also be heard clearly in the hippodrome. This suggests that sound played an important role in the ritual context at the sanctuary, as it allowed for an exchange between the spectators and the athletes conducting the rituals .

In addition to studying sound on a larger scale, the researchers also looked at smaller structures on the site. One interesting finding was in a semi-circular building that was likely used for votive offerings. The shape of the building created a unique acoustic environment that would have enhanced an individual's movements.Overall, the study highlights the potential of using psychoacoustics in archaeology, allowing for a more diverse and in-depth exploration of ancient ruins .

And as technology continues to advance, we may uncover even more secrets and insights from the ancient world.