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A study of declassified photographs from Cold War spy satellites has revealed a significant number of Roman forts in the deserts of Syria and Iraq. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the ancient Roman border in the Middle East. Historians were previously aware of around 100 Roman forts in this region, dating back to the second and third centuries A.D. These forts were thought to serve as a defensive line against the Persian threat and nomadic tribes.

However, a recent study published in the journal Antiquity has analyzed images captured by American CORONA and HEXAGON satellites between 1960 and 1986, shedding new light on this historical period. The study presents a different narrative, suggesting that there are many more Roman forts in the region than previously thought.

The declassified photographs demonstrate the presence of numerous hidden Roman forts, expanding our understanding of the Roman Empire’s reach in the Middle East. This discovery signifies a significant shift in our knowledge of the ancient Roman border and their military presence in these remote regions.

The newly identified Roman forts are spread across the deserts of Syria and Iraq, challenging the previous assumption that the Romans established a linear defensive line against external threats. Instead, the evidence suggests a more complex network of forts, possibly serving multiple purposes.

Furthermore, the study indicates that the Roman influence extended deeper into the Arabian Peninsula than previously believed. This challenges the common perception that the Roman Empire only reached the edges of the Middle East, illustrating a more extensive Roman presence in the region.

Overall, the study of declassified photographs from Cold War spy satellites has provided valuable insights into the ancient Roman border and their military infrastructure in the deserts of Syria and Iraq. This discovery expands our understanding of the Roman Empire’s reach and challenges previous assumptions about their defensive strategies in the Middle East.

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