Kids become archaeologists from the moment they dig in the school sandbox. But discerning who left what objects, why, and how is not so easy.
Thankfully, today’s technology is helping to answer these questions. New technologies improve site discovery, artifact analysis, and preservation. However, they also raise ethical issues. Go to this website at https://www.gognasrl.it/antiquariato/negozio/acquistiamo-in-tutta-italia/antiquariato-a-brescia-lombardia-stime-perizie-valutazioni-antichita/ to learn more.
Artificial Intelligence
When most people think of archeology, they likely envision a dig in an ancient pyramid or unearthing a dinosaur fossil. However, modern technology is transforming this field of study in ways that may surprise you.
AI is being used in a variety of applications to improve archaeological research, analysis, and preservation processes. Using machine learning (ML), remote sensing integration, predictive modeling, and 3D scanning, researchers are finding new methods of preserving cultural heritage and unlocking the secrets of our past.
ML is allowing archaeologists to more effectively process and analyze massive amounts of data. For example, machine learning algorithms can identify patterns in pottery fragments, classify artifact types, and even detect stylistic similarities between disparate pieces of artwork. Similarly, ML can be used to decipher ancient texts, including those written in unrecognizable languages. This capability has already made it possible to translate a portion of an inscription from Julius Caesar’s Pompeii scroll, which was so charred that it could not be unrolled without irreparable damage.
In addition to facilitating the analysis of artifacts, ML can also aid in site discovery and excavation. By analyzing satellite and aerial imagery, ML can locate funerary monuments, settlements, and other archaeological sites that are obscured by vegetation or concealed within rocky terrain. In addition, advanced ML techniques like Mask R-CNN can accurately segment objects in photographs, reducing the time and expense required for manual image processing.
Furthermore, ML can be used to predict the probability of finding valuable archaeological artifacts in particular locations. By analyzing factors such as soil type, proximity to water sources, historical land-use patterns, and even the likelihood of previous excavations, ML can help prioritize fieldwork efforts and maximize the efficiency of resource allocation.
Additionally, ML can be utilized to track and monitor the condition of archaeological sites and their artifacts. By analyzing satellite and aerial images, ML can detect changes in the environment such as erosion or looting that may threaten the integrity of a site or artifact. This information can be used to formulate efficacious conservation strategies and to take preventive measures before damage occurs.
Satellite Remote Sensing
In archaeological research, it’s important to collect data without disturbing the objects you’re trying to study. The most advanced technologies allow archaeologists to work with remote sensing, collecting information from the air or underwater without touching the object itself. These technologies can help with surveying and mapping as well as identifying and analyzing features at very large spatial scales.
The revolution in satellite technology has been a major game changer for archaeological research. Many archaeological features that would take decades to document with traditional methods can now be mapped in just weeks, opening up new possibilities for understanding ancient societies’ landscapes and infrastructure networks at unprecedented scales (Opitz & Herrmann 2018).
Passive sensors—such as reflected light or thermal infrared—don’t interfere with the area being studied. They simply observe and capture the information, which is then automatically processed to produce maps, reports or other visual studies. Other technologies measure changes in the magnetic field or differences in electrical properties of the soil to detect artifacts and features beneath the surface. These methods are particularly valuable for studying coastal heritage sites, where erosion and sea-level rise can have a significant impact on the stability of structures like ancient harbors or ancient fortifications.
Combined with ground surveys, remote sensing technologies have become the new normal for archaeological prospection. They can even be used to study archaeological sites in the digital realm, allowing people to interact with 3D models of artifacts and landscapes in immersive environments. MR and AR headsets like the Microsoft HoloLens 2 or Meta Quest Pro allow users to explore the real world and digital 3D data at the same time, transforming the way we approach antiquities.
The all-weather capabilities of satellite platforms also enable them to monitor threatened archaeological landscapes and create a permanent digital record that could be used for preservation purposes before a site is destroyed by climate change, development pressure or political instability. The rapid documentation provided by these technologies has helped to move archaeological landscape preservation from reactive to proactive.
X-Ray and CT Scanning
X-rays and CT scans aren’t the only modern tools in archaeologists’ toolbox. They also rely on myriad other digital technologies to help them uncover and preserve ancient artifacts, from ceramic profiles to 3-D printing to capture technology that lets archaeologists create 3D models of their discoveries. These digital tools, along with the traditional pickaxes and trowels, help speed up the research process and allow a team of experts to communicate effectively in the field.
For example, archaeologists use a tool called Lidar to identify archaeological sites from the air. This technology uses lasers to measure objects’ shapes, allowing researchers to create high-resolution maps of archaeological sites from above. This information can then be used to analyze how people lived and where they built their villages, towns and cities in the past. Lidar also allows researchers to locate sites in areas that are otherwise difficult to access, such as dense forests and the bottoms of deep lakes.
Aside from being useful for locating sites, the information that Lidar provides can help archaeologists better understand and preserve their finds. By analyzing the density of a sample, for example, archaeologists can make informed decisions about how to treat a piece of pottery or how to handle a fragile statue.
In addition to X-ray and CT scanning, a range of other modern technologies are revolutionizing the study of antiquities, including satellite remote sensing, high-resolution imagery and drones. The advent of these technologies is making it easier for archaeologists to conduct excavations and document their findings, as well as enabling them to share their discoveries with the public.
For example, in 2018, archaeologists uncovered the site of an ancient bathhouse near Pompeii. They shared the results of this discovery online, enabling the public to experience the dig from home and learn more about the site’s rich history.
Crowdsourcing
Crowdsourcing is the practice of outsourcing a task to a group of people instead of a single individual. It’s based on the idea that many minds working together can be more effective than one person alone, a concept popularized in James Surowiecki’s book “Wisdom of Crowds.” Crowdsourcing has become a popular method for companies to gather innovative ideas from individuals outside their organization. Companies can use crowdsourcing for projects ranging from product design to customer support.
Archaeologists have always relied on the masses to help them uncover the past, but today they can take advantage of a host of new technology to make the process even faster and more accurate. The days of digging random plots with a shovel are long gone—now, scientists rely on satellite imaging, soil analysis, and lidar scanning to detect archaeological sites before excavation.
Thanks to advancements in molecular-level testing, archaeologists can also gain valuable insights into historical diseases, diets, migrations, and more from ancient remains that are typically difficult to study. For example, researchers can analyze a Neanderthal’s bones using peptide mass fingerprinting to identify the species.
In addition to the use of modern technology, modern archaeologists have also embraced a broader approach to research by involving the public in their work. For instance, some organizations host contests in which the general public can submit their own ideas to solve a problem. The best ideas are then implemented by the company. This is called user-generated content (UGC). The famous Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” commercial used this technique, and many other businesses are now employing it as well.
While this trend toward democratizing the study of antiquities has brought some benefits, it may not be appropriate for all industries. For example, some sensitive problems or highly confidential information should not be turned over to a crowd. However, there are still a lot of opportunities for businesses to leverage the power of crowds by finding creative and innovative ways to better their products and services.
