Ancient Mysteries, Modern Solutions: The Power of AI in Archaeology

January 22 2025

About Me

My name is Nima Hagh Doust. I am a final-year computer science student at Toronto Metropolitan University. My professional journey includes working as a co-op software developer with the Government of Ontario, where I explored AI applications in practical settings. Currently, I work as a Security and Compliance Associate at Toronto Metropolitan University. I’m also an entrepreneur with a startup I’m passionate about. If you're curious about my startup or want to discuss innovative ideas, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn at Nima Hagh Doust.

Ancient Mysteries, Modern Solutions: The Power of AI in Archaeology

“Time present and time past Are both perhaps present in time future, And time future contained in time past.” – T.S. Eliot

History is a mirror through which humanity contemplates its identity, culture, and roots. Our ancestors, who lived in almost every part of the world, have left behind inscriptions, artifacts, and structures that bridge their lives, cultures, and stories to present times. Eliot’s words indicate the essence of this connection, emphasizing the enduring interplay between past, present, and future.

Yet, so much history has been hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. Advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are now transforming archaeology, offering innovative ways to uncover and preserve humanity’s ancient narratives for future generations.

Personally, I have been captivated by the rapid rise of AI and its transformative potential across industries. The intersection of AI and archaeology excites me particularly because it combines my technical background with my interest in history and storytelling. This combination of technology and history not only showcases the power of interdisciplinary innovation but also has the potential to drive meaningful change reconnecting communities with their heritage locally and enriching our collective understanding of humanity’s journey globally.

How AI Benefits Archaeology

Machine learning, a subset of AI, is about recognizing patterns and making predictions. While it has revolutionized industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics, its application in archaeology is uniquely inspiring. Machine learning has become a powerful tool in archaeology by analyzing massive datasets such as satellite imagery, excavation records, and ancient texts. It has been instrumental in identifying hidden archaeological sites, reconstructing fragmented artifacts, and even predicting the locations of ancient civilizations that have yet to be unearthed.

Uncovering Hidden Archaeological Sites

One remarkable example comes from the Arabian Peninsula’s "Empty Quarter," where researchers at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi used machine learning to locate ancient sites buried beneath desert sands. By combining synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery with machine learning, archaeologists could identify potential sites with remarkable precision, narrowing search zones to within 50 centimeters. This breakthrough has already led to exciting discoveries, with excavations planned to reveal more about the region’s hidden history.

Reconstructing Artifacts and Texts

Another exciting application of AI lies in the reconstruction of fragmented artifacts and texts. Machine learning algorithms trained on existing data can piece together shattered pottery or fill in missing portions of ancient manuscripts. This not only helps restore historical treasures but also provides new insights into the daily lives and cultures of ancient civilizations.

Figure: This restored inscription (IG I3 4B) records a decree concerning the Acropolis of Athens and dates 485/4 BCE. (CC BY-SA 3.0, WikiMedia).

While AI offers remarkable opportunities, it is not without challenges. Training machine learning models requires extensive datasets, which may not always be available or complete. Additionally, the reliance on algorithms raises concerns about biases in data interpretation.

All in all, the intersection of AI and archaeology shows how technology can deeply impact humanity. By uncovering hidden parts of our shared history, AI helps preserve the past and inspires future generations to learn from it. As we embrace these innovations, Eliot’s observation reminds us that the past, present, and future are always connected. Through AI, we’re ensuring that the stories of yesterday continue to shape tomorrow.

References:

• But, T. (2024, September 2). Ai revolutionizes archaeology: Discoveries & challenges. AI Revolutionizes Archaeology: Discoveries & Challenges. https://www.historica.org/blog/the-latest-ai-innovations-in-archaeology

• Cairns, R. (2024, September 26). Artificial intelligence is detecting new archaeological sites in the Desert. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/science/artificial-intelligence-archaeological-sites-sar-spc/index.html

• Earth Science Data Systems, N. (2021, May 18). Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/earth-observation-data-basics/sar

• Persaud, G. (2023, November 30). Discovering hidden archaeological sites with AI and Satellite Images. SciTechDaily. https://scitechdaily.com/discovering-hidden-archaeological-sites-with-ai-and-satellite-images/

• Vina, A. (2024, November 1). Ai in archaeology paves the way for new discoveries. RSS. https://www.ultralytics.com/blog/ai-in-archaeology-paves-the-way-for-new-discoveries