Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an ancient Bronze Age city, Semiyarka, hidden beneath the Kazakh Steppe’s grasslands. Initially revealed in declassified spy photos from the 1970s, recent surveys using drones and ground-penetrating radar have unveiled a sprawling 140-hectare city that thrived 3,500 years ago.
The city, located in a strategic position overlooking the Irtysh River valley, may have controlled river traffic and fostered a diverse community of nomads, traders, and metalworkers. Excavations have revealed houses, a central building, and workshops for bronze crafting, providing insights into the city’s infrastructure and economic activities.
This discovery showcases the power of modern technology in uncovering ancient civilizations and reshaping our understanding of history through a data-driven approach.
Source: Ars Technica