Discovering the Past: Ancient Cities Unveiled with Satellite Maps

Ancient cities have always been a source of fascination and wonder for people around the world. They offer a glimpse into the past, revealing the incredible feats of engineering, architecture, and social organization that were achieved by ancient civilizations.  However, discovering and exploring these cities is no easy feat, as many of them have been lost to time and the elements.  That’s where satellite maps come in.  These incredible tools have allowed us to discover and map ancient cities that were previously hidden from view, offering us a new perspective on the history of humanity.

Let’s take a journey around the world to discover some of the most exciting ancient cities that have been discovered using satellite maps.

Kerma Sudan Satellite Map

The ancient city of Kerma in Sudan was discovered in 2003 using satellite maps.  The city, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Kerma between 2500 and 1500 BC, was once a powerful trading center in northeastern Africa.  The satellite images revealed a massive city with a network of streets, houses, and tombs.  The discovery of Kerma was a major breakthrough in our understanding of the ancient civilizations of Africa, and it continues to be studied by archaeologists to this day.

Kerma Sudan Satellite Map

Angkor Cambodia Satellite Map

The ancient city of Angkor in Cambodia is one of the most famous ancient cities discovered using satellite maps.  The city, which was the capital of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, was hidden in the dense jungles of Cambodia until it was discovered in the 1990s using satellite maps.  The satellite images revealed a sprawling city with massive temples, palaces, and reservoirs.  Today, Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. 

Angkor Cambodia Satellite Map

Carnuntum Austria Satellite Map

The ancient Roman city of Carnuntum in Austria was discovered using satellite maps in 2011.  The city, which was founded in the 1st century AD, was once a major center of trade and commerce in the Roman Empire.  The satellite images revealed a city with massive public buildings, temples, and amphitheaters.  The discovery of Carnuntum was a major breakthrough in our understanding of the Roman Empire in Europe, and it has helped archaeologists to piece together the complex social and economic networks of the time.

Carnuntum Austria Satellite Map

To learn more in-depth about 2D and 3D satellite maps, view Satellite Maps.

Satellite Imagery