Chinese scientists discover ancient Roman ruins in Tunisia

New archaeological sites in Tunisia have recently been discovered thanks to China’s space-based remote sensing technology, People’s Daily reported Friday. This is a landmark occasion, as it's the first time China has discovered overseas heritage using this technology.

These sites, traced back to Roman times, are located at the western end of the ancient marine Silk Road. 10 sites were spotted this time, including a military defense system and a water supply system.

The discovery was made by an archaeological team from the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), with the cooperation of scientists from Tunisia, Italy and Pakistan.

According to Wang Xinyuan, head of the archaeological team, it took them two years to finish the research. The team processed the remote sensing images in early 2016 and carried out field investigations in April and November of 2017 and April of 2018.

Located at the western end of the ancient marine Silk Road, Tunisia was an important trade port during the Roman era. Experts believe that this finding is of great significance to the studies of military defense, irrigation, ethnic relationships, and environmental changes in the Roman age.

Bai Guangming, cultural counselor at the Chinese embassy in Tunisia, told People’s Daily that the discoveries, supported by remote sensing technology, have laid a solid foundation for enhanced cultural exchange and mutual learning between different countries.

Remote sensing technology was developed in the 1960s. The method is to emit energy in order to scan objects and areas, whereupon a sensor then detects and measures the radiation that is reflected or back-scattered from the target.“Remote sensing enables nondestructive detection during archaeological research, saving human resources, materials and time,” said Wang.