Researchers have uncovered a 5,000-year-old fortified settlement hidden deep within the forests of Neamț County, Romania, using advanced LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology.
The discovery, made possible by drones equipped with LiDAR, has provided a detailed aerial view of the ancient structure, which dates back to the transition between the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age.
LiDAR works by emitting rapid laser pulses toward the ground and measuring the time it takes for the light to return, creating high-resolution elevation models. This technology has proven invaluable for imaging hard-to-reach archaeological sites, from lost cities in the Amazon to ancient ruins obscured by dense vegetation.
Vasile Diaconu, an archaeologist involved in the study, emphasized the importance of modern technology in uncovering the complexities of ancient sites. “Thanks to current technology and using LiDAR scans, I was able to obtain a faithful image of an almost 5,000-year-old fortification,” Diaconu said in a translated statement. “On this occasion, we observed details that we could not observe in the field precisely because of the vegetation.”
The fortification, which required significant human effort to construct, features elaborate defensive structures, including ditches and earthen mounds. LiDAR scans revealed that the settlement was strategically located in high areas with good visibility, further enhancing its defensive capabilities. Some of the ditches spanned several hundred meters, highlighting the scale of the construction.
The project was a collaboration between Geocad Services, Geo Edu Lab, and the National Institute for Research and Development for Earth Physics.
Interestingly, it also brought together a former teacher and student. Diaconu received a message from Vlad Dulgheriu, a former student and owner of Geocad Services, who expressed interest in the archaeological work and provided the resources needed for the expedition.
“I’m honestly glad my former student has built his own road beautifully,” Diaconu said, reflecting on the partnership.
This discovery underscores the potential of LiDAR technology to revolutionize archaeological research, allowing scientists to uncover and study ancient sites without invasive methods. As researchers continue to explore the forests of Romania and beyond, more secrets of the past may soon come to light.
