Unearthing the Past: Decoding Archaeological Sites through Listening

Archaeologists are using psychoacoustics, the study of how sounds are perceived by humans, to gain insights into ancient sites. In a study at the ancient sanctuary of Zeus on Mount Lykaion in Greece, researchers played pre-recorded sounds at different points and analyzed the sound relationships. The study revealed that the hillside acted as an important spectating site, and a semi-circular building created a unique sonic environment. While the findings are still preliminary, the method has the potential to expand how archaeologists interpret ancient sites and make them more accessible to people who don't rely on sight.