Archeology from space | Sarah Parcak
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The speaker shares her childhood experience of collecting sand dollars and how it led to a passion for archaeology, particularly in Egypt.
Childhood Passion for Archaeology
- The speaker recalls collecting sand dollars on Maine's seashores as a child, sparking her interest in finding things.
- Her love for archaeology grew as she studied Egyptology, realizing the need to use satellite imagery due to the vastness of Egyptian sites.
- Introduces the use of infrared technology to reveal hidden archaeological sites like Mendes in Egypt.
Using Satellite Data to Discover Ancient Egyptian City
The speaker discusses using satellite data to locate the ancient Egyptian city of Itjtawy, providing insights into its significance and discovery process.
Locating Itjtawy
- Itjtawy was ancient Egypt's capital during the Middle Kingdom period, known for its cultural renaissance.
- Challenges in finding Itjtawy due to its burial under Nile's shifting flood plains are highlighted.
- Utilizing NASA topography data helped identify potential locations; coring work revealed evidence of human occupation dating back to the Middle Kingdom era.
Significance of Discoveries and Future Plans
The speaker emphasizes the importance of discoveries at Itjtawy and outlines future plans for further exploration and training.
Discoveries and Future Endeavors
- Evidence of an elite jeweler's workshop at Itjtawy signifies its importance as a significant city during that era.