How sunset shadows and low clouds revolutionized our view of ancient West Asian history.
In short: Curator Marie-Laure Chambrade examines the evolution of aerial archaeology. This lecture explores how early pioneers used unconventional flight techniques to reveal hidden historical sites, tracing the discipline from its military-linked origins to modern satellite monitoring.
In 1929, Antoine Poidebard pioneered a technique he termed flying under a screen of clouds. By maneuvering his aircraft at low altitudes near sunset, he utilized the sun's raking light to cast long shadows that highlighted archaeological features otherwise invisible from above. This method exemplifies the bold experimentation that has defined aerial archaeology for over a century.
The field has evolved from early balloon and airplane surveys to contemporary drone and satellite technology. These tools have identified more archaeological sites than any other survey method. Chambrade’s lecture details the complex relationship between these aerial techniques and military intelligence, while also addressing how current imagery assists in monitoring and protecting endangered heritage sites across West Asia.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Marie-Laure Chambrade | Flying Under a Screen of Clouds
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