Archaeologists Uncover Ancient 5,000-Year-Old Fortress Hidden in Romanian Forest
A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the dense forests of Neamț County, Romania, where archaeologists have uncovered a 5,000-year-old fortification using advanced technology. Hidden for millennia beneath thick vegetation, the ancient structure was finally brought to light through the use of LiDAR technology.
LiDAR, which stands for “light detection and ranging,” works by emitting rapid laser pulses toward the ground and measuring the time it takes for the light to reflect back. This data allows researchers to create highly detailed topographical maps, even through dense forest canopies.
The recent study, led by archaeologist Vasile Diaconu, employed drones equipped with LiDAR to scan the heavily vegetated area. The scans revealed the well-preserved outline of the ancient fortress, believed to date back to the transition from the Neolithic period to the Bronze Age.
“Thanks to modern technology and the use of LiDAR scans, we obtained a clear image of a fortification nearly 5,000 years old,” Diaconu shared in a translated statement. “This method allowed us to observe structural details that would have been impossible to detect on foot due to the dense vegetation.”
LiDAR technology has previously been instrumental in uncovering hidden archaeological sites around the world, from lost cities in the Amazon to ancient trade routes. This latest discovery in Romania adds to the growing list of historical sites revealed through the fusion of archaeology and cutting-edge technology.
As researchers continue analyzing the data, they hope to uncover more about the people who built and inhabited this ancient stronghold. Each new discovery brings a deeper understanding of human history, and with tools like LiDAR, many more secrets lie waiting beneath the earth.