Archaeoacoustics in ancient sites - A new way to analyzing archaeological locations

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia

Archaeoacoustics offers a new way to interpret archaeological locations by identifying sound characteristics created or shaped by builders and by natural phenomena linked to specific places. The approach uses modern digital recording to capture non-audible bands such as ultrasound and infrasound, which can affect the human body without conscious awareness of the mechanical vibrations. A two-year European study reports initial results from two sacred sites.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Archaeoacoustics

Concept and rationale

Sacred sites tested in Europe

Ultrasounds, infrasounds and audible low frequencies

Human hearing ranges and definitions

Propagation and effects of low-frequency sound

Animal communication and natural warnings

Potential influences on humans and sacred interpretations

Ultrasound pathways and medical vs weapon uses

Archaeoacoustics in ancient sites A new way to analyzing archaeological locations prof.agg. Paolo Debertolis Department of Medical Sciences-University of Trieste Chair of Dental Archaeology Coordinator of project SB Research Group* Trieste, Italy [paolo.debertolis@sbresearchgroup.eu](paolo.debertolis@sbresearchgroup.eu) Niccolò Bisconti, BSc Department of Archaeology and Art History University of Siena Project SB Research Group* Siena-Italy Abstract—Using archaeoacoustics we can analyze ancient sites from another point of view to discover the real purpose of their builders to point out natural phenomena connected with a particular location and the mystic state of visitors. We also present the results from two ancient sites we studied over the last two years in Europe. Keywords: archaeoacustics, ultrasounds; abbye; San Salvatore, Visoćica; Bosnia; pyramid; infrasounds; low frequencie sounds I. ARCHAEOACOUSTICS Archaeoacoustics is not a new science, it is a new perspective to analyze archaeological sites which sometimes have interesting sound characteristics [2,6] . It can demonstrate sound occurrences projected by the builders of some structures, and also natural phenomena which can influence the psychological state of a person in a mystic state or during prayers [2,3,4] . In a previous article we described the resonance phenomenon we found in some archaeological sites [1] . Using modern digital recording techniques it is now possible to record very clearly non audible sound frequency bands such as ultrasound or infrasound. These bands have a direct effect on the human body without a person being aware of the associated mechanical vibrations. The hypothesis of our research group is that in some archaeological sites considered sacred for thousands of years, there are measurable natural audio phenomena that make the place somewhat more mystical than others. Following this line of research, we started to test various sacred sites in Europe to assess this hypothesis. We found interesting archaeoacoustics effects at some sites, which included the Cistercian Abbey of San Salvatore in Abbadia San Salvatore in the province of Siena (Italy) and among ruins of medieval monastery/fortress on the top of the Visoćica Hill near Visoko in Bosnia-Herzegovina. II. ULTRASOUNDS, INFRASOUNDS AND AUDIBLE LOW FREQUENCIES There are a lot of scientific papers that evidence mechanical vibrations have a positive or negative influence on our health and there are several predominant sources of naturally occurring ultrasounds, very low frequency and infrasound found in the environment. Depending on age and gender, humans can perceive sounds in the range of 20hz to 20Khz, in some cases sounds above 14-18Khz are not audible to the human ear. Careful measurements have shown that hearing does not abruptly stop at 20Hz but the ear is capable of registering infrasound if the sound pressure is sufficient. Frequencies above 20Khz are considered ultrasound whilst frequencies below 20Hz are considered infrasound. Low frequency sound has a relatively long wavelength and low material absorption rate, hence it has the ability to travel vast distances. These properties make it possible to achieve a profound effect on vast tracts of acoustic space with the production of high sound pressure level acoustic waves. Low frequency sound is non directional sound in it’s propagation and therefore has the effect of enveloping the individual without any discernable localized source [8] . Some animals such as elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceros and giraffes are known to use infrasound to communicate over distances. Many animals are able to perceive infrasonic waves that pass through the earth before natural disasters, which act as an early warning system for them. Any severe and artificial extreme imposed on the sonic environment has a profoundly destabilizing effect on the individual, indeed infrasound has been used in the context of wars and nowa

FAQs

What does archaeoacoustics aim to reveal about ancient sites?

It interprets sound-related characteristics in archaeological locations, including effects possibly projected by builders and natural phenomena tied to the site that may influence visitors’ psychological states.

Why are ultrasound and infrasound relevant to archaeoacoustics?

Modern digital recording can capture non-audible frequency bands. The document explains that these frequencies can affect the human body through mechanical vibrations even when they are not consciously perceived.

How can low-frequency sound be connected to why people considered some places sacred?

The text argues that low vibrations can produce awe or fear in humans and may make events feel odd or supernatural. Where many natural low vibrations are present, ancient populations may have labeled the sites as sacred.

Aug 25, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia