Exploring the Battlefields of the Malvinas/Falklands War (1982): Archaeological Mapping of Mount Longdon and Mount Tumbledown

Abstract

In this article we present the methods and preliminary results of the archaeological survey of the Malvinas/Falklands War (1982) battlefields. Our research specifically focuses on Longdon and Tumbledown mounts, two sites of the most intense clashes between Argentine and British military forces. This is the first archaeological survey carried out by Argentine researchers on these British-administered islands. The main goal of this study was to address the complexity of these battles by comparatively reconstructing along two main research lines: logistics and command. To contribute to this general goal from an archaeological perspective, we employed an integrative approach that combined remote sensing and ground surveys. The use of remote sensing techniques, with aerial and satellite imagery as well drone-capture photographs, allowed us to maximize terrain coverage, including areas inaccessible to ground surveyed. The archaeological mapping of the battlefields aimed to record and georeference structures, features and artifacts related to war events in a non-intrusive manner. We used Geographic Information System (GIS) for data storage, spatial analysis, and visual representation of the information obtained through remote sensing and fieldwork. Additionally, published war diaries, as well as information resulting from interviews with war veterans provided essential contextual data,enabling a more nuanced evaluation of the findings and spatial patterns identified on-site. The study of the battles of Mount Longdon and Mount Tumbledown from this perspective not only deepened our understanding of these highly significant historical events, but also allowed us to assess the impact of various natural and human processes on the preservation of archaeological records at these historically significant places.