Cold War spy satellites uncover lost Roman forts
Declassified imagery from Cold War era spy satellites has led to the discovery of 396 previously unknown Roman forts in the Syrian Steppe, spanning what is now Syria and Iraq. The forts were found throughout the region, contradicting the theory of a north-south border wall, and instead suggesting that they were constructed to promote inter-regional trade and communication between the eastern and western regions. This challenges previous assumptions about the Roman frontier and highlights the flexibility and inclusivity of the Roman World. Many of the forts have already been destroyed by modern development, emphasizing the urgent need for preservation efforts.