UNEARTHING THE PAST SINCE 1900
  • BECOME A MEMBER
  • RENEW
  • GIVE NOW
  • SEARCH
  • ONLINE PORTAL
  • American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)American Society of Overseas Research (ASOR)
  • ABOUT
    • WELCOME FROM ASOR OFFICERS
    • FACTS & FIGURES
    • MISSION, BYLAWS, & STRATEGIC PLAN
    • HISTORY OF ASOR
    • COMMITTEES
    • POLICIES
    • FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
    • ARCHIVES
    • AFFILIATED PROJECTS
    • AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS
    • ASOR’s Honors and Awards
    • CONTACT US
  • CULTURAL
    HERITAGE
    • ABOUT CULTURAL HERITAGE INITIATIVES
    • UPDATES
    • TUTORIALS
    • Who We Are
  • ANNUAL
    MEETING
    • REGISTRATION
    • HOTEL RESERVATIONS
    • ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULES
    • SPONSOR & EXHIBIT
    • ASOR Online Library
    • HONORS & AWARDS
    • ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
    • PAST & FUTURE ANNUAL MEETINGS
  • MEMBERSHIP
    & RESOURCES
    • INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS
    • INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
    • NEWS@ASOR
    • PAST ASOR NEWS, MONTH BY MONTH
    • ONLINE RESOURCES
    • PHOTO COLLECTION
    • EARLY CAREER MEMBER RESOURCES
  • FELLOWSHIPS
    & GRANTS
    • SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FIELDWORK PARTICIPATION
    • GRANTS FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECTS
    • RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS FOR MEMBERS
    • MEMBERSHIP & ANNUAL MEETING SCHOLARSHIPS
    • ASOR-AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTERS FELLOWSHIPS
    • OTHER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS
  • PUBLICATIONS
    • BOOK SERIES & MONOGRAPHS
    • BULLETIN OF ASOR
    • JOURNAL OF CUNEIFORM STUDIES
    • MAARAV
    • NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGY
    • THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY
    • LEVANTINE CERAMICS PROJECT
  • FRIENDS
    OF ASOR
    • Webinars
    • TOURS
    • THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY
    • ASOR ONLINE LIBRARY
  • Donate
    • FY25 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
    • LIFETIME HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
    • ASOR LEGACY CIRCLE
    • WAYS TO DONATE
Banner photo for Lonnie Reid.

 SHARE

 
 
 
 
 

NEWS@ASOR E-NEWSLETTER

ANCIENT NEAR EAST TODAY E-NEWSLETTER

PAST ASOR NEWS, MONTH BY MONTH

ASOR LEGACY CIRCLE MEMBERS

LIFETIME HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

FY25 HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

ASOR ANNUAL MEETING

Magnetometry in the Erbil Plain

Lonnie Reid, 2024 Fieldwork Scholarship Recipient. 

My name is Lonnie Reid and thanks to ASOR’s scholarship, I had the opportunity to go to Kurdish Iraq as a part of the Rural Landscapes of Iron Age Mesopotamia Project (RLIIM), run by Dr. Petra Creamer. For my report, instead focusing just on a specific trench, as we had multiple open this season, I will talk mainly about our main survey method, magnetometry.

But before we jump in, Qach Rresh is a Neo-Assyrian site in the Erbil plain that appears to be a transition center for goods going in and out of the major nearby city. Due to this, there are items of everyday transport on site such as pottery and arrowheads, and some things that you wouldn’t see everyday, but that’s a topic for another time.

Photo of Lonnie Reid RLIIM.

A magnetometer is a survey device that senses the slight magnetic changes in the atmosphere using the poles on either side of the device. The poles sense magnetic fields for about a meter in every direction. The device is so sensitive that the person operating it cannot wear any amount of magnetic clothing or have electronic devices on them. So sadly, while we were marching up and down rows of wheat for an hour or two at a time, we couldn’t have music or a podcast going.

A magnetometer works by taking a reading of the magnetic field every second. So to keep the readings from overlapping, we would have to walk at a constant pace of a meter per second, up and down a tape measure grid, so that we would know we are walking straight and at pace at all times. Funnily enough, the technology for magnetometers has remained fairly consistent over the years, meaning it’s old, so there’s a bit of manual adjusting we had to do before every use. The poles that measure magnetism can come off for easier transportation, meaning that we had to level them before each use to make sure that the poles were reading at the same height. Also to make sure the readings are stable, we had to hold the magnetometer out in front of us, which was also just as draining as walking. It appears light as parts are made of PVC material, but I promise, balancing those sensors on the sides is no joke.

Photo of Lonnie Reid operating a magnetometer.

The magnetometry team was always comprised of three people, one person holding the device and walking, and the other two would set up and move the grid system, so that as soon as one twenty by twenty square block was done, another could immediately start. I think the record for the most blocks done in a day was 16. Once you get into a groove, it’s pretty zen. But as I mentioned before, the lack of music does make it a long endeavor.

But why is magnetometry important? It’s a non-destructive survey method that allows archaeologists to plan out where they want to set up trenches, without needing to make an initial trench. This allows for areas with potential interest to be found sooner than just by choosing a spot based on the topsoil or by location near previous trenches.

Magnetometer reading of limestone, basalt/trachyte, and mud brick.

Finally, I mentioned that the magnetometer has not really had a technological update in a few decades, so how do we process the data? Well the magnetometer itself does not know where it is within space, so that’s why we have to time out our steps at a meter per second. The machine does know that we walk up and down a grid in a zigzag pattern and whichever direction we face to begin with, must be the same direction for all of the squares to keep the data consistent. When uploading the raw data to the computer, it comes out as pixels, some shade of grey between black and white. The more white an area is, the more magnetic it is and the darker an area is, the less magnetic it is. Different types of stones and other materials will have their own magnetic signature. For example, basalt shows up black as it has little magnetism, whereas limestone is a medium gray, but mudbrick appears white. So eventually, you get a magnetic map of the area that shows where potential buildings used to lie due to the magnetic presence of the building materials.

Magnetometry might have been the most intensive yet fun part of my fieldwork this past summer. But the trip wasn’t just all digging and marching. On the weekends we would make day trips to other archaeological sites in the greater Erbil area, and mingle with some of the locals and friends of the project. Our adventures included visiting Shanidar Cave, the bazaar, and a still standing aqueduct in Jerwan.

A shop in the bazaar.
Photo of Lonnie Reid sitting next to cuneiform remains on the aqueduct.

Lonnie Reid is a recent graduate of Emory University who majored in Art History and Mathematics. 

Want to help more students and early career archaeologists get into the field? Donate to the cause today by selecting “Fieldwork Scholarships” as your gift purpose!

BROWSE THE NEWS ARCHIVE

  • Fieldwork Report: Lonnie Reid
  • Thank You Fiscal Year 2025 Donors
  • DC Day of Archaeology 2025
  • Table of Contents for Near Eastern Archaeology 88.2 (2025)

Latest Posts from @ASORResearch

asor_research

Initiating and supporting research of the history and cultures of the Near East and wider Mediterranean world.


The #ObjectoftheWeek from this week's ANE Today: P
The #ObjectoftheWeek from this week's ANE Today: Part of a model chariot, with an impression of the sun god Shamash rising over the mountains. Ceramic, ca. 2000 – 1600 BCE. Metropolitan Museum of Art 48.131. Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/324049


Many people assume there is only one god in the Ol
Many people assume there is only one god in the Old Testament—one who is both omniscient and omnipotent. However, a closer look reveals many other gods who differ from the stereotype. Read the second article in a 4-part series by Michael Hundley in the latest ANE Today by clicking the link (https://anetoday.org/god-hebrew-bible-part1/) in our bio.

📸 ©2021 GrandPalaisRmn (Musée du Louvre) / Stéphane Maréchalle.


ASOR is turning 125—and we want you to be part o
ASOR is turning 125—and we want you to be part of the celebration! Our special anniversary dinner will take place during this year's Annual Meeting in Boston, and we hope you'll join us for this unforgettable evening of community, celebration, and reflection on ASOR's history. 

We'll be kicking off the festive occasion at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. Enjoy an evening of exceptional dining, entertainment, and ASOR-themed activities, featuring speakers who have been integral to ASOR's mission. Your presence will help make this milestone truly meaningful. Register for the event by clicking the link in our bio.


Summer is in full swing, but it’s not too early
Summer is in full swing, but it’s not too early to think about your fall calendar. The Annual Meeting Program-at-a-Glance, as well as information about business meetings and special events, can be found on the 2025 ASOR Annual Meeting Schedules Page. Make sure to include the plenary address by Timothy P. Harrison and ASOR’s 125th Anniversary Celebration when you plan your ASOR 2025 itinerary. Check it out by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/am/2025/schedules-2025) in our bio.


We did it (once again)! The 2025 fiscal year has o
We did it (once again)! The 2025 fiscal year has officially come to a close, and ASOR has set a record member participation rate for gifts this year thanks to our generous donors. It is truly gratifying to see our members and friends choosing to invest in ASOR and helping us make our work possible. Thank you again for your support!


ASOR was delighted to participate in the DC Day of
ASOR was delighted to participate in the DC Day of Archaeology Festival by @aitc_dc this past Saturday, June 28 at Tudor Place. The ASOR table included activities like a sandbox to dig up artifacts, puzzles, trivia, plus posters about our organization and free journals to give out! Read more by clicking the link in our bio. #dcdayofarchaeology


To start off our new series of #ObjectoftheWeek: F
To start off our new series of #ObjectoftheWeek: Funerary model of cow giving birth. Probably from Meir, Egypt, c. 2040 – 1985 BCE. Royal Ontario Museum 910.18.16.1. Photo courtesy of ROM: https://collections.rom.on.ca/objects/184967


What is a god? While the question is simple enough
What is a god? While the question is simple enough, the answer depends on context and perspective. Read the first article in a 4-part series by Michael Hundley in the newest Ancient Near East Today by clicking the link (https://anetoday.org/god-ancient-near-east/) in our bio.


Make sure to join ASOR this Saturday, June 28, for
Make sure to join ASOR this Saturday, June 28, for this year's DC Day of Archaeology Festival at Tudor Place in Washington, DC. Stop by the event organized by @aitc_dc from 10AM to 3PM for music, food, and fun activities!


This spring, McKinley Tech High School students ex
This spring, McKinley Tech High School students explored Black Georgetown’s legacy at Mt. Zion–Female Union Band Historic Memorial Park. Through virtual reality and archaeological research, the program encouraged students to engage with the history of Black communities and experiences in Washington, D.C. Read the story by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/06/mckinley-tech-mt-zion) in our bio!


ASOR is now offering affiliation to civil society
ASOR is now offering affiliation to civil society organizations and conservation projects as a way for them to be part of the ASOR community. Applications are reviewed by ASOR’s Cultural Heritage Committee. ASOR-affiliated projects are eligible for Shepard Urgent Action Grants. Learn how to apply for affiliation with the link in our bio.


Check out the special June issue of NEA 88.2 on on
Check out the special June issue of NEA 88.2 on one of the most famous sites in the ancient Near East—Megiddo. Read the Table of Contents by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/06/nea88.2-toc/) in our bio.


ASOR CHI was delighted to participate in this year
ASOR CHI was delighted to participate in this year’s Arab Network of Civil Society Organizations to Safeguard Cultural Heritage (ANSCH) Conference on May 28–29. ASOR spoke on the types of free resources available through ASOR for civil society organizations in the region, including tutorials for cultural heritage surveys, funding through Shepard Urgent Action Grants, and the ability to join the ASOR community as affiliates. Read more by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/chi/updates/2025/06/asor-ansch-conference) in our bio.


ASOR has turned 125—and you’re invited to join
ASOR has turned 125—and you’re invited to join the celebration by participating in a special dinner event on Saturday night at this year’s Annual Meeting in Boston!

We’ll be kicking off the festive occasion at 6:45 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza. Join us for an evening of great dining, entertainment, and ASOR-themed activities, as well as speakers who have been part of ASOR’s mission. Regular dinner tickets cost $100, but to ensure that everyone can attend, we are offering discount codes for reduced ticket prices of $25 and $50. Read more and register for the event by clicking the link in our bio!


In ancient Egypt, marriage was key to establishing
In ancient Egypt, marriage was key to establishing a household. What were the expectations of wives and what do we know about women’s rights when entering into—or leaving—marriage? Read the newest ANE Today by Alison Wilkinson by clicking the link (https://anetoday.org/ancient-egypt-marriage/) in our bio.


Gabbi Graber, a 2024 Stevan B. Dana Fieldwork Scho
Gabbi Graber, a 2024 Stevan B. Dana Fieldwork Scholarship recipient, excavated at Tel Burna in the Shephelah hills of Israel. Drawing from personal reflections and field experience, Gabbi shares what it was like to dig in this storied landscape. Read her fieldwork report by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/05/fieldwork-report-graber) in our bio.


As you embark on fieldwork and research this summe
As you embark on fieldwork and research this summer, ASOR invites you to make submissions to our Virtual Archaeology Initiative. The Virtual Archaeology Initiative is a growing collection of digital resources that illustrate or teach various steps involved in the archaeological process. Read more about the initiative by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/06/virtual-archaeology-initiative-submissions) in our bio. Submissions can be sent to info@asor.org.


Check out the May issue of Bulletin of ASOR 393, w
Check out the May issue of Bulletin of ASOR 393, with fascinating articles like Nabatean Tent Sites on the Ruhot Plain, Central Negev, and Nomadic Visibility; Olive Oil Production in the North-East Temple of Canaanite Lachish; Qaṭrāyīṯ and the Linguistic History of Ancient East Arabia, and much more. Read the Table of Contents by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/05/basor393-toc/) in our bio.


Friends of ASOR is pleased to share information on
Friends of ASOR is pleased to share information on BASONOVA & BAF lectures. On Tuesday, June 10 at 8pm ET via Zoom, Elizabeth Bloch-Smith (Princeton Theological Seminary) will present "Hearing the Voices of the Dead in Ancient Israel". The witch of Endor was consulted by Saul to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This presentation examines the Zeitgeist and theology behind Isaiah 8, where the deceased Samuel speaks to King Saul (1 Samuel 28), and alongside considers tales of the talking dead from Mesopotamia, Hatti (Hittites) and Greece. Register here: https://basonova.org/next-lecture-reservation.html


Dominique Langis-Barsetti, a 2024 Katherine Barton
Dominique Langis-Barsetti, a 2024 Katherine Barton Platt Fieldwork Scholarship recipient, excavated with the Kerkenes Project in the central Anatolian plateau last spring. As an associate director on the project, Dominique encountered various situations that required her to overcome logistical and environmental challenges with quick thinking and creativity. Read her fieldwork report by clicking the link (https://www.asor.org/news/2025/05/fieldwork-report-langisbarsetti) in our bio.



Instagram

Stay updated with the latest insights, photos, and news by following us on Instagram!

Follow Us on Instagram

American Society of Overseas Research
The James F. Strange Center
209 Commerce Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

E-mail: info@asor.org

© 2025 ASOR
All rights reserved.
Images licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Contact Us
Membership
Give
Friends of ASOR
ASOR Cultural Heritage Initiatives
Terms of Use
News

Please follow & like us :)
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn