"Unearthed: Cold War Satellite Images Expose Hidden Roman Forts"

Declassified cold-war spy satellite images have revealed 396 previously unknown Roman forts in Syria and Iraq, challenging the previous understanding of the Roman frontier. The findings suggest that the frontier was a place of cross-border trade and communication, rather than constant conflict. The forts were likely constructed to support caravan-based interregional trade and protect routes between the eastern provinces and non-Roman territories. The discovery indicates that the borders of the Roman world were more fluid and inclusive than previously believed. The images, part of a spy-satellite program, highlight the value of satellite imagery in recording archaeological features before they are lost.