Long Lost Roman Forts Finally Detected By Satellite Spy Technologies

Future

Declassified photographs taken by United States spy satellites during the Cold War have unveiled a remarkable archaeological discovery: the identification of numerous Roman-era forts that were previously unknown. The Corona and Hexagon satellite surveillance programs, originally designed to support the Carter Doctrine emphasizing U.S. dominance in the Middle and Near East, have now become invaluable tools for archaeologists.

Rather than serving their original geopolitical purpose, these declassified aerial images are being utilized by researchers from Dartmouth College’s Department of Anthropology to map the eastern border of the Roman Empire. The photographs are shedding light on landscapes long lost, revealing a wealth of information about the Roman presence in the region.

The research team meticulously examined the images, drawing comparisons with a 1934 map created by Father Antoine Poidebard, a Jesuit missionary and archaeologist. Father Poidebard’s pioneering aerial survey was the first to document the existence of Roman forts in the area. While flawed, his work confirmed the presence of 116 Roman fortified structures and formed the foundational theory that these structures comprised a defensive line along the eastern border.


What makes the recent findings particularly intriguing is the shift in narrative prompted by the Hexagon and Corona photos. Instead of reinforcing the notion of a fortified boundary for national security, the imagery is leading researchers to reconsider the purpose of these Roman forts. The focus is transitioning from a perspective of securing the nation to understanding the forts as integral components of a dynamic and fluid border. This border facilitated trade routes and cultural exchanges crucial to the Roman reliance on import and export activities. In essence, the declassified satellite photos are transforming our understanding of the past, revealing the Roman Empire’s strategic use of border regions for economic and cultural interconnectedness.

“Agriculture and urbanization have destroyed a lot of archaeological sites and features to a shocking degree,” Archaeologist Jesse Casana said when she spoke to CNN. “This old imagery allows us to see things that are often either obscured or no longer extant today.”

Identifying the forts was a relatively straightforward task. The Roman soldier, known for both ferocity in battle and disciplined conduct, possessed a unique skill set that extended beyond warfare—he was a proficient and efficient construction worker. The construction of standardized square forts, each measuring about 164 to 262 feet (50 to 80 meters), strategically positioned at regular intervals during military campaigns, proved to be an invaluable tactic throughout the extensive history of both the Republic and Imperial periods.

According to Poidebard’s map, these forts formed a north-south line that, to him, resembled a wall. However, modern satellite photos present a different perspective, revealing a configuration more akin to the western garrisons of a fortified corridor. This corridor featured forts on either side, spanning a vast area that extended eastward through Syria to the Tigris River in Iraq.

Upon closer examination using Corona and Hexagon photos, an additional 106 structures were identified, covering an expansive region of approximately 116,000 square miles (300,000 square kilometers) from the Mediterranean to the Tigris River. This fortified corridor was not merely a military installation; it played a crucial role in facilitating the movement of valuable trade routes. Notably, it served as one of the Western termini of the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty, highlighting its significance in the historical context of trade and commerce.


Casana shared with CNN that it’s her reading of the archaeological literature that even in places as developed and advanced as Rome, borders that had been around during this time period “were places of dynamic cultural exchange and movement of goods and ideas,” not barriers.

After nearly four decades of American military engagements in this region drawing to a tentative close, archaeologists such as Casana could soon find themselves presented with unprecedented opportunities to delve into the myriad sites scattered across the landscape. Many of these sites may harbor crucial details and artifacts that have the potential to shed light on historical narratives.

Consider the northern border fortifications of the Roman Empire, an esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site collaboratively managed by multiple countries. Is it conceivable that the eastern border might undergo a similar transformation in the future? Could it too become a repository of shared cultural heritage, fostering international collaboration in the preservation and exploration of historical remnants? The prospect raises intriguing questions about the evolving nature of geopolitical boundaries and the role of archaeology in fostering cross-cultural understanding.

 

 

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