I would like to share a guest post Unveiling Hidden Civilizations with AI which has been written by: Brian Sathianathan of Iterate.ai
AI is revolutionizing how we explore and understand our history, going far beyond its common association with futuristic scenarios and the work of science fiction. We are witnessing AI as it is working to unlock secrets from the past, offering new perspectives on archaeological mysteries that have puzzled humans for decades. Researchers and archaeologists are making groundbreaking discoveries with the help of AI technology, from unearthing lost civilizations to deciphering ancient scripts.
One of the most captivating applications of AI in archaeology is its ability to reveal previously undiscovered ancient settlements. Utilizing satellite imagery combined with machine learning algorithms, AI systems can detect anomalies in landscapes that hint at man-made structures buried beneath vegetation or earth. This method was instrumental in discovering a previously unknown Maya civilization hidden in the dense jungles of Guatemala. The AI analysis revealed over 60,000 hidden Maya ruins, including houses, fortifications, and causeways, shedding new light on the complexity and sophistication of Maya society.
Deciphering ancient texts and scripts is another area where we are seeing AI programs excel, often outpacing human capabilities. For languages that have long ceased to be spoken, and for which few records exist, AI algorithms can identify patterns and connections unseen by human scholars. This was the case with the mysterious Indus Valley script, where AI tools have been employed to analyze the script’s patterns, offering clues towards understanding its meaning and context. Though the script remains undeciphered, AI’s pattern recognition capabilities provide a promising avenue for breakthroughs in understanding these ancient texts.
AI is also playing a crucial role in analyzing and categorizing artifacts and fossils more efficiently than traditional methods. By training AI systems on databases of known artifacts, these tools can quickly classify and identify fragments unearthed during excavations, speeding up the process of cataloging and understanding archaeological finds. This capability extends to paleontology, where AI helps in reconstructing fossilized bones and providing insights into the physical characteristics and behaviors of extinct species.
Beyond discovery and analysis, AI contributes to the preservation of heritage sites. Through predictive modeling and monitoring, AI systems can assess the risk factors affecting ancient structures, from environmental threats to human-induced damage. This proactive approach enables conservationists to prioritize and implement preservation measures effectively, ensuring that these cultural treasures endure for future generations.
AI is not just shaping our future, nor is it the likes of which you would see on Star Trek; it is also illuminating our past. By assisting in the discovery of lost civilizations, deciphering ancient scripts, analyzing historical artifacts, and preserving heritage sites, AI is a powerful tool in the hands of archaeologists and historians. As this technology continues to evolve, it promises to deepen our understanding of human history in ways previously unimaginable, bridging the gap between the past and the future.
Brian’s bio:
Brian’s career began at Apple, where he spent 6 years leading iPhone and Intel Mac projects in the New Product Introductions group, earning patents for designing the security and activation platform of the first iPhone. He then founded Avot Media, a software platform for transcoding video for mobile, which was acquired by Smith Micro, where he later led the video business. Brian also worked with Turner Media’s seed-stage investment team, contributing to 13 investments and one major acquisition. Currently, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology/Digital Officer of Iterate.ai, an innovation ecosystem offering “intelligent low-code” capabilities for digital and AI-based innovation, serving companies like Ulta Beauty and Circle K. Iterate.ai has seen a 287% revenue growth from 2017 to 2020, showcasing significant success and impact in the tech industry.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
