Risk Takers: Archaeology From Space | Nat Geo Live

TL;DR

Using new satellite technology, an archaeologist discovered a hidden Roman amphitheater, challenging traditional methods.

Transcript

( intro music ) ( applause ) Tonight, I want to share with you something that scientists and academics fear even more than loss of life or limb. And that is loss of reputation. So, how do you fail without really trying? I want to share with you my collaboration with this incredible team out of Southampton University on an absolutely amazing archaeo... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫥 Satellite technology can reveal hidden archaeological features not visible through traditional methods.
• 👶 Discoveries like the Roman amphitheater at Portus can challenge existing archaeological knowledge and prompt new research questions.
• 😒 Strategic use of technology is crucial in archaeology to unlock new insights and understand complex landscapes.
• 👨‍🔬 Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence in archaeology, highlighting the importance of exploring various technological tools for research.
• 👶 Uncovering new features like roads and river courses can provide a more comprehensive understanding of ancient sites and their historical contexts.
• ✊ The discovery of the amphitheater at Portus exemplifies the transformative power of satellite technology in archaeology.
• 😷 Technology can help archaeologists ask better questions and explore new aspects of ancient sites, enriching our understanding of the past.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges did the archaeologist face when using satellite imagery on the Portus site?

The archaeologist initially faced the challenge of discovering features that were already known through traditional methods, causing a sense of failure and humility in the process.

Q: What significant discovery was made using the new satellite data at Portus?

The discovery of a previously unknown Roman amphitheater, along with other features like roads and river courses, provided new insights into the site's landscape and historical significance.

Q: How did the archaeologist's discovery impact the understanding of the relationship between the living and the dead at Portus?

The discovery of the amphitheater raised questions about the significance of the site in honoring the memory of the deceased through festivals or activities, shedding light on the cultural practices of the ancient Romans.

Q: What lesson did the archaeologist learn from this discovery process at Portus?

The importance of using the right technology strategically in archaeology and rethinking traditional methods to uncover new insights and challenge assumptions in the field.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Archaeologist collaborates with Southampton University to use satellite imagery on Roman site, Portus.

• Traditional aerial photography had already mapped many features unknown to the archaeologist.

• Discovery of an ancient amphitheater challenges previous knowledge and emphasizes the importance of strategic technology use in archaeology.