Recent findings suggest that cities revealed through LiDAR technology, often referred to as ‘lost cities’, might not have been lost at all according to scholars. These cities include those rediscovered along the Silk Road, medieval Silk Road cities in Central Asia, and ancient complexes in the Amazon, all flourishing for a considerable period.
1. The Role of LiDAR Technology in Discovering ‘Lost Cities’
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances. This technology has been instrumental in archaeology, allowing researchers to map the contours of the earth’s surface and reveal hidden structures. It has been particularly effective in uncovering cities that were previously unknown or inaccessible, such as those along the Silk Road and in Central Asia (The Jerusalem Post).
For instance, cities rediscovered along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the East and West, have been compared to the famed Machu Picchu in terms of their historical significance (The Telegraph). Similarly, two lost medieval Silk Road cities were mapped in Central Asia, providing valuable insights into the region’s past (DW).
2. The Contention Around ‘Lost Cities’
While the term ‘lost cities’ is often used to describe these LiDAR discoveries, some scholars argue that these cities might not have been lost at all. They suggest that the term ‘lost’ implies a lack of knowledge or awareness about these cities, which might not be entirely accurate (The Jerusalem Post).
Take, for example, the ancient complex in the Amazon that was found to have flourished for a thousand years. This discovery challenges the notion that these cities were ‘lost’ and instead suggests that they were thriving civilizations with their own unique histories (NBC News).
Furthering the argument against the term ‘lost cities’, some scholars posit that these cities were continuously inhabited or known to local populations, even if they were ‘lost’ to the wider world. This perspective underscores the importance of recognizing and respecting local knowledge and narratives when interpreting archaeological findings (The Jerusalem Post).
Moreover, the term ‘lost’ can also be seen as a reflection of the Western-centric lens through which history is often viewed. Many of these cities were only ‘lost’ from a Western perspective, having been known and remembered by local or indigenous communities. This highlights the need for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of history (NBC News).
3. The Cultural Significance of LiDAR-Discovered Cities
The cities discovered through LiDAR technology are not just archaeological finds; they are windows into the past. They reveal palaces, tombs, and other significant structures that provide insights into the cultures that built them. For instance, the ‘lost cities’ across the Americas have yielded a wealth of architectural and cultural treasures (National Geographic).
These discoveries have the potential to reshape our understanding of history and culture. They challenge existing narratives and offer new perspectives on human civilization (The Jerusalem Post).
For instance, the LiDAR-discovered cities along the Silk Road have provided a wealth of information about trade, politics, and culture during the medieval period. These cities were important hubs of commerce and cultural exchange, and their rediscovery has shed light on the complex networks of trade that once spanned continents (DW).
Similarly, the ancient complexes found in the Amazon have revealed a sophisticated civilization that was capable of building large, complex structures. These findings challenge the stereotype of pre-Columbian societies as being primitive or undeveloped, and highlight the technological and architectural achievements of these cultures (National Geographic).
4. The Future of Archaeology and LiDAR
LiDAR technology is not just uncovering the past; it’s shaping the future of archaeology. By providing a non-invasive method to explore and map archaeological sites, LiDAR is revolutionizing the way we study and understand our history (The Jerusalem Post).
As the technology continues to advance, we can expect more discoveries in the future. These could include not just ‘lost cities’, but also other archaeological sites that have yet to be discovered or fully explored (The Telegraph).
With the advent of LiDAR, archaeologists are now able to explore areas that were previously inaccessible due to dense vegetation or challenging terrain. This has opened up new possibilities for archaeological research, allowing for the discovery of sites that were previously unknown or overlooked (The Jerusalem Post).
Furthermore, as LiDAR technology becomes more affordable and accessible, it is likely that we will see an increase in the number of archaeological projects using this technology. This could lead to a new era of discovery, with potentially thousands of ‘lost cities’ and other archaeological sites waiting to be found (The Telegraph).