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Archaeologists have discovered a massive 5,000-year-old fortress hidden beneath thick forest in Neamț County, Romania. The site dates back to the transition period between the Neolithic and Bronze Age, revealing a complex settlement that challenges previous ideas about early societies in the region. This discovery sheds new light on the sophistication of ancient civilizations long forgotten beneath centuries of vegetation.

LiDAR Technology Reveals Hidden Fortress in Detail

The breakthrough came from the use ofLiDAR (light detection and ranging) drones, a technology that emits rapid laser pulses to map landscapes covered by dense vegetation. “Thanks to current technology and using LiDAR scans, I was able to obtain a faithful image of an almost 5000-year-old fortification,” said Vasile Diaconu, the lead archaeologist from the Neamț County Museum Complex. LiDAR’s ability to detect subtle human-made structures beneath forest canopies allowed researchers to visualize details impossible to see during traditional fieldwork.

The fortification is built on elevated terrain, with large defensive ditches and earthen mounds designed to enhance protection. According to Diaconu, the ditches “had impressive dimensions with lengths of several hundred meters, which required considerable human effort in the construction.” The placement of the fortress provided excellent visibility over the surrounding landscape, highlighting its strategic importance. The scale and complexity of the site indicate a highly organized society capable of coordinated large-scale construction projects.

Collaboration Between Archaeologist and Technology Expert

This discovery was made possible through a partnership between multiple organizations, including Geocad Services, Geo Edu Lab, and the National Institute for Research and Development for Earth Physics. The project was led by Vasile Diaconu, with key technical support from Vlad Dulgheriu, owner of Geocad Services and former student of Diaconu. The collaboration between teacher and student enabled the deployment of advanced LiDAR technology, marking a milestone in archaeological research methods.

Diaconu emphasized the importance of integrating modern technologies into archaeological investigations. “Only by using modern technologies will we be able to better understand the complexities of archaeological sites,” he said. The discovery of this well-planned fortress illustrates how sophisticated ancient communities were, beyond what traditional excavation alone could reveal. As LiDAR and similar techniques become more common, the archaeological record will continue to expand with new findings hidden beneath earth and foliage.

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