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Recent analysis of declassified spy satellite images has revealed the existence of hundreds of Roman Empire forts in regions of Syria, Iraq, and the eastern Mediterranean. These images, originally used for reconnaissance in the 1960s and 1970s, have now provided valuable data for archaeology research in areas that are difficult for researchers to access. The newly discovered 396 forts, spotted directly from space, provide confirmation and expansion of an aerial survey conducted in 1934, which recorded 116 forts along the Roman Empire’s eastern frontier.

According to lead author Jesse Casana, a professor of anthropology at Dartmouth College, these forts are similar in form to Roman forts found in Europe and North Africa. The high number of forts in the study area may be due to better preservation and recognition, or a result of intensive fort construction during the second and third centuries AD. The newly found forts challenge the previous assumption that the fortifications were part of a defensive line against the Parthians and Sasanians. Instead, they may have served as protection for caravans transporting valuable goods and facilitating communication and cultural exchanges.

The images used in the study were obtained from two satellite programs originally used for surveillance during the Cold War. The Corona program, operated by the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Air Force, imaged various regions between 1959 and 1972. The Hexagon program continued surveying Soviet military zones. These images have provided a broader perspective compared to earlier aerial surveys, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the Roman Empire forts.

The discovery of these forts sheds light on the challenges the Roman Empire faced in maintaining its borders, particularly during periods of political instability and incursions from nomadic groups. The research showcases the potential of space archaeology in uncovering hidden historical sites and expanding our understanding of ancient civilizations.

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