Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way archaeologists uncover ancient sites. In a recent study, researchers used AI to identify archaeological sites in satellite images of Iraq and Syria – two countries with rich histories that have been largely inaccessible due to conflict.
The team trained an AI system on thousands of satellite images from both countries, teaching it to recognize patterns associated with human activity. The AI was then able to spot potential archaeological sites in areas where no such structures had previously been recorded.
The results were impressive: the AI identified more than 1,000 new potential archaeological sites across both countries – many of which are believed to date back as far as 4500 BC during the Mesopotamian period. This includes settlements, burial mounds and other features that could provide valuable insight into this era of history.
This isn’t the first time that AI has been used for archaeology; similar systems have already been employed in Egypt and Peru with great success. However, this is one of the first times that an automated system has been used in a region so heavily affected by conflict and instability over recent decades.
The research team believes their work could be particularly useful for preserving cultural heritage at risk from war or natural disasters like floods or earthquakes – something which is becoming increasingly important given our changing climate and rising sea levels around the world. By using satellite imagery combined with powerful machine learning algorithms, they can quickly map out large areas without having to physically visit them – potentially saving precious artifacts before they’re lost forever beneath shifting sands or rising waters.
In addition to its practical applications for preservation efforts, this kind of technology also offers exciting opportunities for further exploration into ancient civilizations whose secrets remain largely hidden from us today due to political unrest or geographical barriers like deserts or mountainsides too treacherous for humans alone traverse safely . With advances in artificial intelligence continuing apace , these kinds of discoveries may soon become commonplace – allowing us unprecedented access into some of humanity’s oldest mysteries .
As well as aiding archaeologists , these technologies could also prove invaluable when it comes to locating missing persons , especially those who may be trapped under rubble after natural disasters . By training machines on aerial photographs taken before disaster strikes , rescue teams would be ableto quickly pinpoint locations where survivors might still be found alive .
Overall , artificial intelligence promises a wealthof possibilities when it comes exploring our pasts while simultaneously helping us protect our futures . As we continue developing ever-more sophisticated algorithms capableof recognizing patterns invisibleto human eyes , there’s no telling what else we’ll discover about ourselves alongtheway – but one thing’sfor sure :it won’tbe boring !
New Scientist
