Geophysical and archaeological survey of the Hellenistic period settlement Iskandar Tepa in the Bactro-Sogdian borderlands

The 2021 geophysical and archaeological investigations at Iskandar Tepa in southern Uzbekistan aimed to define the internal structure of a Hellenistic–Transitional period settlement and evaluate geophysical methods in a semi-arid environment. Magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys revealed a 400 m-long perimeter ditch enclosing a 1.2 ha area, alongside numerous internal features: small circular anomalies likely representing storage pits or pithoi, and elongated anomalies interpreted as burial pits. Subsequent excavations confirmed the ditch, suggested the existence of a water canal, and revealed extensive use of buried ceramic storage vessels, possibly for water. The site’s topography, layout, temporary use, and defensive features suggest its reinterpretation as a short-term Greek military camp. Comparison with Boysari Tepa in central Sogdiana highlights parallels in structure and function. The study underscores the value of geophysical methods in identifying otherwise invisible features and significantly refines earlier interpretations of Iskandar Tepa’s role in the Hellenistic landscape.

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