Archaeologists Discover Millennia-Old Fortress Hidden by Nature

An impressive fortress estimated to be around 5,000 years old has recently been identified in the dense forests of Neamț County, Romania. The discovery was made possible through the use of LiDAR technology, which employs laser pulses to map the terrain and reveal details concealed beneath the thick vegetation.

Archaeologist Vasile Diaconu, one of the experts involved in the research, shared the news, stating that modern tools allowed for a detailed understanding of the defensive structure that had remained hidden for centuries. The study identified walls, ditches, and artificial elevations, suggesting a strategically advanced construction for its time.

The fortress dates back to the transition between the Neolithic and Bronze Age and was analyzed using non-invasive methods. Drones equipped with LiDAR sensors were deployed to map the area, revealing that the defensive structures were built in elevated locations, ensuring broad visibility and protection against potential invaders. According to Diaconu, some of these ditches span hundreds of meters, indicating a significant collective effort in their construction.

The research was conducted in partnership with Geocad Services, Geo Edu Lab, and the National Institute for Research and Development in Earth Physics. A fascinating detail is that this collaboration stemmed from a reunion between a professor and his former student. Vlad Dulgheriu, founder of Geocad Services and a former student of Diaconu, showed interest in his mentor’s work and helped facilitate the expedition. “It is inspiring to see a student follow their own path and, years later, contribute to such a significant project,” said Diaconu.

This discovery adds a valuable piece to the study of ancient civilizations in the region and highlights the importance of technology in modern archaeology.

About The Author

Editorial

See author's posts