Archaeologists Reveal Hidden Secrets of Prehistoric Europe with Help of Satellites

In Central Europe, archaeologists have discovered a network of previously unknown Bronze Age megastructures that are likely to help shed light on the so-called "megaforts". This is stated in a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, Cosmos reports.

Megaforts are the largest structures built before the Iron Age (1200-550 BC).

In a study by archaeologists from University College Dublin, scientists used satellite imagery to identify a number of previously unknown megastructures in the centre of Europe.

Together with colleagues from Serbia and Slovenia, the scientists found more than 100 sites that helped to form megaforts and prehistoric structures.

It is noted that the researchers combined satellite and aerial photographs, creating an idea of the prehistoric landscape of the southern Carpathian Basin.

The scientists concluded that the massive Bronze Age monuments were interconnected. Previously, scientists believed that each of them existed separately.

Some of the discovered sites are located beyond the banks of the Tisza River, which flows between European countries.

"Some of the largest sites, which we call megaforts, have been known for several years. These are, for example, Gradište Iđoš (Serbia), Csanadpalota or Santana (Hungary), or Cornesti Iarcuri (Romania). They are surrounded by a 33 km-long moat that dwarfs the modern citadels and fortifications of the Hittites, Mycenaeans, or Egyptians," says Barry Molloy, author of the study.

According to the team of researchers, between 1600 and 1450 BC, massive megaforts emerged, which are now recognised as a key period in the development of prehistoric Europe.

The research also allowed scientists to learn more about the life and interaction of people in the Bronze Age.

In prehistoric Europe, between 1500 and 1200 BC, the Tisza region was an important centre of innovation, scientists say.

The society in the Tisza network of sites was well organised and skilfully used protective fences.

Thanks to the results of the study, scientists have determined the inhabited landscape, the size and layout of objects, and the locations of houses in the area.

On Monday, the National Museum of History of Ukraine reported that the Allard Pearson Museum had handed over the so-called "Scythian gold" - artefacts from four museums in Crimea that were presented at the exhibition "Crimea: Gold and Secrets of the Black Sea" and had been stored in the Netherlands for almost 10 years.