5,000-Year-Old Civilization Discovered in the Arabian Desert Thanks to AI

A groundbreaking advancement in archaeological research

Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic for years, often sparking debates about its benefits and drawbacks. However, a recent archaeological breakthrough proves that AI can help us uncover hidden chapters of history. Researchers from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi have identified traces of a 5,000-year-old civilization buried beneath the sands of one of the world’s largest deserts, thanks to a cutting-edge AI-driven approach, according to My Modern Met.

In a study published in Geosciences, the research team reported finding evidence of an ancient civilization beneath the sands of the archaeological site Saruq Al-Hadid, located in the vast Rub' al Khali desert. By utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, the researchers combined AI with satellite imagery to automate the detection and mapping of the site.

Unveiling Secrets Beneath the "Empty Quarter"

Also known as the “Empty Quarter,” the Rub' al Khali desert spans over 650,000 square kilometers, making it the largest continuous stretch of sand on Earth. The harsh, inhospitable environment makes archaeological research extremely challenging.

"Due to the climate and the fact that much of the region is desert, it has been very difficult to survey the area from the ground," explains Diana Francis, head of the Environmental and Geophysical Sciences Laboratory at Khalifa University. "That’s why using satellite data was crucial. We also needed a technology capable of ‘seeing’ beneath the sand."

High-Tech Archaeology with Unparalleled Precision

The accuracy of this method is remarkable, with a resolution of up to 50 centimeters. Additionally, the process generates 3D models of the buried structures, providing valuable visual data for further study.

Following the publication of the study, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, responsible for archaeological sites in the region, has already approved excavations at the location.

Scientists hope that the techniques described in their research can be refined and applied to larger areas and similar environments. This could mark a major breakthrough in archaeological exploration:

"These areas remain largely unexplored, but we know they hold cultural history," Francis notes.