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Declassified images from American Cold War spy satellites have revealed the existence of 396 unknown Roman forts on the Eastern frontier of the empire. Archaeologists made this discovery in present-day Syria and Iraq, painting a new picture of life in the region between 145 to 305 AD. Previous aerial surveys conducted in the 1930s by Antoine Poidebard, a French archaeologist, had identified a line of forts running over 600 miles along the eastern border of the Roman empire. It was assumed that these forts acted as a defensive barrier.

However, the declassified images showed that there were hundreds more forts spread out on both sides of the border, suggesting that they served as staging posts for travelers. These forts provided a place for rest, recuperation, and fresh camels. It was found that the forts were not intended to function as a wall but rather supported movement across the region for military, trade, and exchange purposes.

Professor Jesse Casana from Dartmouth College led the investigation and studied recently declassified spy satellite imagery from the 1960s and 1970s. The team discovered that besides Poidebard’s line of forts, there were several hundred more running east to west. It was concluded that the forts were constructed to support trade, protect caravans traveling between the eastern provinces and non-Roman territories, and enable communication between the east and west.

The research suggests that the borders of the Roman world were less rigidly defined than previously believed. While the Romans did have conflicts with neighboring regions, including the Parthians, Sasanians, and Arabs, their frontiers were also hubs of trade and cultural exchange.

The experts anticipate that more lost sites will be revealed as further imagery, such as Lockheed U-2 spy plane photographs, is declassified. Unfortunately, many sites have already been unknowingly destroyed by modern development and farming. The study highlights the importance of preserving these historical sites that provide valuable insights into Roman life and interactions in ancient times.

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