AI Uncovers 5,000-Year-Old Lost Civilizations Beneath Deserts

A groundbreaking combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is revealing ancient civilizations buried under the world’s largest deserts, IDR reported. This technology is transforming archaeological discovery, previously hindered by the harsh conditions of deserts like the Rub’ al Khali and the Sahara.

SAR technology, initially developed for military use, can penetrate sand to detect subsurface structures, while machine learning algorithms identify anomalies indicating ancient settlements. Unlike traditional methods, AI-driven SAR can scan vast areas quickly, significantly reducing the need for costly fieldwork.

Notable discoveries include traces of 5,000-year-old human activity in the Dubai desert, revealing ancient settlements and trade routes that challenge previous assumptions about early societies in arid regions. Similar findings in Mongolia and Egypt have enhanced our understanding of historical trade networks and urban development.

AI and SAR are also mapping ancient trade routes across the Arabian Peninsula, indicating extensive commerce between civilizations. However, challenges remain, including the cost of technology, the accuracy of data interpretation, and ethical concerns regarding the preservation of newly discovered sites.