A groundbreaking satellite survey of Egypt has revealed a dizzying array of lost tombs and settlements, including 17 previously unknown pyramids.

Dr. Sarah Parcak, an Egyptologist with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her colleagues used infra-red satellite imagery to peer beneath the surface and discover hitherto unknown sites.  In addition to the pyramids, her team also discovered evidence of 1,000 other tombs and 3,100 settlements.

Initial test excavations seem to confirm the validity of Parcak’s findings.  Archaeologists digging at the great necropolis of Saqqara have confirmed the presence of at least one buried pyramid.  Furthermore, she was able to identify the remains of a 3,000 year old house at Tanis, the northern city that served as Egypt’s capital during the 21st and 22nd dynasties.  When the site was excavated, the remains of the house matched the satellite image almost exactly.

Parcak told the BBC that she believed that this technology would be a boon to archaeologists.  “It’s an important tool to focus where we’re excavating. It gives us a much bigger perspective on archaeological sites. We have to think bigger and that’s what the satellites allow us to do,” she said.

The BBC funded Parcak’s work and BBC One will show a documentary highlighting her findings on May 30.  American Egyptophiles will have to wait until the Discovery Channel airs its own documentary on the subject later this summer.

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About the author

Jason Loch
Originally from the east coast, I now live among the Cheeseheads of the Badger State. I came here for a PhD in history but I loved it so much here that I decided to stay even after I realized that a career in academia wasn't for me. I'm passionate about history (especially ancient history) and politics (both British and American). During the few months of the year that we don't have several feet of snow on the ground, I love to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. I also love to write and I'm currently working on a historical fantasy novel set in ancient Egypt.

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3 Comments for Dr. Sarah Parcak: Seventeen Lost Pyramids Found in Egypt

Daniel Nanjo Dugule

well-done Dr Sarah Parcak, as an undergraduate student of archaeology ABU Zaria i luv ur handi-work. Keep it off.

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Gina Stem-Shaw

Sarah: This work is so exciting!! I can’t believe it hasn’t gotten more press in the US. Thank goodness for the BBC. My husband & I went to UAB years ago. They sure didn’t have a project like that going on back then. The work you & your team are doing is inspiring. Keep up the great work. Your parents must be very proud. I am, and I don’t even know you! Are there blogs or any way to keep up & hear about the daily news on the department’s work? Sincerely, Gina

Reply

Jim Rowley

Thank you for your tireless devotion to archeology. Your work is cutting edge and amazing to see in action (discovery special). I can only imagine the power of this work in other areas of the world. Will your satellite archeology be able to see dinosaur’s habitat or tombs of other people like Genghis Khan or Alexander the Great? Is this technology protected against mis-use by looter and such?

Again, thank you for your sensational work. I look forward to seeing more.

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