Acoustic Measurements in the Ear of Dionysius at Syracuse (Italy)

2013

The paper explores how sound behaves differently in two unique acoustic environments, one ancient (4000 BC Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni) and the other relatively modern (13th Century St. Etienne Cathedral). The reason for the construction of either structures is different, which is one of the factors this experiment is presenting evidence for. The experiment showcases that differences in the acoustics of both structures, even though they have almost the same reverb time (time taken to fade out), are perceptible. These differences are apparent to the human ear and in ancient times were used to alter brainwave frequency, thus being an aid to rituals and ceremonies conducted by various forms of shamans (spiritual leaders, priests). The methodology used was an ABX listening test, which is described in detail, then conclusive results are presented with an in depth analysis. The results confirm the significance of this field of experimentation, archaeoacoustics. It is safe to conclude with high confidence that ancient sites (both structures built and natural occupied spaces like caves) have employed the use of sound to alter perception and connect with the spiritual realm in order to gain a better understanding of life and the universe.

Existing studies show that there are strange acoustical effects at the prehistoric sites. The resonances found at European prehistoric sites are generally in the frequency range of 90 – 120 Hz. The effects of listening to tones on regional brain activity at this frequency range have been studied before. This study is an investigation into the perceptibility of the resonances in the aforementioned frequency range, using a technique called auralisation. Bass response of the auralisations of a prehistoric hypogeum (Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Malta) and a modern cathedral (Saint-Etienne, France) is analysed using spectral audio analysis methods. An ABX listening test was designed and carried out to test the hypothesis. The quantitative results of the subjective listening tests showed that subjects could differentiate between the two audio files. Combined with the findings from spectral analysis of the audio files, the study is concluded that the resonances found in the auralisation of Hal Saflieni Hypogeum are perceptible, thus, perceptual studies about the effects and possible use of the prehistoric sites need to be urged in order to discover the forgotten cultures and knowledge. Recommendations for further work are stated.

Open Archaeology, 2019

Contiones – assemblies during which important Roman politicians discussed the laws proposed at the People’s Assemblies as well as candidates for the offices and presented their opinions to the Roman people – are considered by some scholars as one of the central institutions and rituals of the Roman Republic. Considering the role contiones played in the political life of the Roman Republic, we can ask how many Romans participated in them. In our paper we present results of acoustic analyses of two places at the Forum Romanum that we know were platforms for speakers at contiones: the Rostra and the podium of the Temple of Castores. The main goal of our study was to establish the maximum number of participants that could have heard speeches inteligibly. To do that we used a 3D model of Forum Romanum considering not only the geometry but also the acoustic parameters of materials used to construct the rostra and adjacent constructions. Based on the sound power level of a speaker and possible noise sources, on which the recipients were exposed to, we established areas where speeches could have been heard and understood. This in turn allowed us to estimate the maximum number of recipients.

Archaeoacoustics: The Archaeology of Sound. Publication of Proceedings from the Conference in Malta, February 19-22, 2014, 2014

Note. SB Research Group (SBRG) is an international and interdisciplinary project team of researchers (Italian, Croatian, English and Finish) researching the archaeoacoustic properties of ancient sites and temples throughout Europe (www.sbresearchgoup.eu) ABSTRACT: Abstract -The archaeoacoustic properties of an ancient hypogeum in Cividale del Friuli (North Italy) were studied. A series of experiments took place over a one year period to establish its acoustical resonant properties. A number of male and female singers were used and a resonance of 94Hz and 103Hz was discovered in two of the hypogeum's six chambers. The best frequency response was obtained when male singers were positioned inside a 'sound node' that was discovered in both chambers. The term "node" refers to the point in the interior space of the chamber where the greatest acoustic resonance effect is achieved. Later the effects of a frame drum were studied in one of the two chambers. Although it had an average frequency response of 55Hz, the drum was able to activate the chambers resonance of 103Hz from its harmonics. The research demonstrated the male voice was more successful in stimulating the resonance than a female voice, as the required resonant frequencies commonly fall within the male vocal range. This study demonstrates that archaeoacoustics is an interesting emerging field capable of analyzing ancient sites, utilizing different study parameters to those usually used in archaeology. Research in this field is re-discovering lost technology that operates on the human emotional sphere.

Acta Acustica united with Acustica, 2013

Extensive results are presented for acoustic and meteorological measurements at the ancient open theatre of Epidaurus. The analysis of the results, illustrates most aspects of the theatre'sa coustic properties, indicating the pattern and mechanism for the early reflections, the spectral response of the theatre, aspects of time-frequency response interaction and aspects of the spatial impression. The results also verify predictions of earlier acoustic models for this theatre and indicate no significant effects from environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and wind variations across the theatre. Measurements with the theatre partially full with audience shown o change with respect to speech intelligibility.The results restate the renowned exceptional acoustic characteristics of the theatre for speech, for all listener positions.

What is Archaeoacoustics and how is it defined? This paper will discuss the history and varying aspects of the discipline of archaeoacoustics, i.e. sound that has been measured, modelled and analysed with modern techniques in and around Ancient sites, temple complexes and standing stones. Piecing together sound environments from a long lost past and brought to life as a tool for archaeologists and historians. This paper will provide a general overview of some of the most prolific studies to date, discuss some measurement and modelling methods and discuss where archaeoacoustics may head in the future and what purpose it serves in academia.

2019

• State of the art • Current interpretations and discrepancy with historical texts • Analysis of the collection of multidisciplinary data on a large scale • Summary of evidences as a conclusion 2 B. Palazzo-Bertholon and J.-C. Valière, Archéologie du son, les dispositifs de pots acoustiques dans les édifices anciens, Société française d'archéologie, suppl. Bulletin monumental, 5, ISBN : 978-2-901837-41-1, (2012).

Building Acoustics, 2020

The catacombs, burial sites for early Christians, were constructed during the Roman Empire until the Christian religion was recognized in 313 AD. The catacombs were cementeries, which were organized according to precise rules and were dug into the ground on several levels, to occupy as little space as possible. The catacombs became places of worship as martyrs were buried in them. The catacombs were then abandoned with the barbarian invasions and the consequent construction of churches inside cities. The catacombs were rediscovered during the Renaissance period and became a place of renewed worship. In the present work, the acoustic characteristics of the catacombs of San Callisto in Rome, San Gennaro in Naples, and Vigna Cassia in Syracuse are discussed. The three selected catacombs differ by type of excavation and geometry. In particular, the catacombs of San Callisto are made of narrow corridors and small rooms; the catacombs of San Gennaro consist of large rooms with niches; the catacombs of Vigna Cassia are partly excavated in the tuff and partially occupy a disused aqueduct. The acoustic measurements were performed using an impulsive sound source. The description of the acoustic characteristics focuses on the reverberation time and the Speech Transmission Index. The results show that the reverberation time was always shorter than 1 second, confirming the reduced reverberation of these environments. Finally, the speech listening characteristics are particularly good, ensuring the suitable conditions for the prayer in these spaces.

Acoustics, 2019

This paper explores the acoustics of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: five caves in Spain that feature prehistoric paintings that are up to 40,000 years old; Stonehenge stone circle in England, which is over 4000 years old; and Paphos Theatre in Cyprus, which is 2000 years old. Issues with standard acoustic methods are discussed, and a range of different possible approaches are explored for sound archaeology studies, also known as archaeoacoustics. The context of the three sites are examined followed by an analysis of their acoustic properties. Firstly, early decay time is explored, including a comparison of these sites to contemporary concert halls. Subsequently, reverberation, clarity of speech, and bass response are examined. Results show that the caves have a wide range of different naturally occurring acoustics, including reverberation, and strong bass effects. Stonehenge has acoustics that change as the design of the site develops, with some similarities to the effects in th...