Experimentation in archaeological survey work has taken many different forms in recent years. This article presents an approach that combines proven and innovative methods of ground reconnaissance with the latest technological advances in low-altitude balloon photography. The ancient city chosen, Phigalia, holds its own as a promising archaeological site. Our purpose was to survey the remains while efficiently and comprehensively recording their locations.
Phigalia occupies a corner of the Greek world that was more active in antiquity, economically and culturally, than its small-village status would indicate today. This city was the single commercial center of land-locked and mountainous Arkadia that had access to the sea. Random surface finds show that habitation began in prehistoric times and has remained continuous ever since.