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Declassified images taken by United States spy satellites during the Cold War have uncovered a trove of previously unknown Roman-era forts in Iraq and Syria. While many of these forts have been destroyed or damaged over recent decades due to various factors, their discovery challenges an old hypothesis about their purpose. Contrary to popular belief, these structures were not built to keep enemies out, but rather to ensure safe passage for caravans and travelers.

The high-resolution satellite images used in the study were taken by the Corona Project and Hexagon, both US military programs. The images are invaluable to archaeologists as they provide a unique glimpse into landscapes that have since undergone significant changes due to agricultural expansion and urban development.

The research team analyzed the images to identify signs of Roman forts with their distinct square shape and walls. They compared these images with reference maps from a 1920s aerial survey conducted by French archaeologist Father Antoine Poidebard. Poidebard’s survey, which captured 116 Roman forts, was a significant achievement at the time. However, the satellite images revealed that his survey only represented a small portion of a much larger cluster of 396 fortified structures spanning over 116,000 square miles.

These new findings suggest that the forts were not solely military fortifications, but rather provided safe havens and facilitated trade along Roman roads. They challenge the notion that borders were barriers, highlighting the dynamic cultural exchange that took place in these areas.

Further investigations are expected to unveil even more Roman forts in the region. The scientists estimate that these structures were built between the second and sixth centuries. The discovery of these forts sheds light on the ancient Roman Empire’s infrastructure and provides valuable insights into history.

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