Unveiling the past: Utilizing satellite imagery archives to study archaeological landscapes in the northeastern Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract

This paper investigates the utilization of satellite imagery archives in the northeastern Nile Delta to examine and explore the evolution of archaeological landscapes. The study incorporates optical satellite imagery from multiple sensors, including Landsat, ASTER, and CORONA, in addition to historical topographic maps, and digital elevation data. The methodology involves employing Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, spatial analysis, and analyzing vegetation indices. The findings reveal significant landscape changes during the period from the prehistoric to the Byzantine era, influenced by natural factors such as sea level changes and land subsidence. Moreover, the landscape changed after the construction of the Aswan High Dam, influenced by human activities such as agriculture and urbanization. The study was successful in detecting the remains of the Tanitic branch, an ancient branch of the Nile River. Additionally, the analysis of vegetation indices showed crop anomalies, which may be indicative of buried structures. However, further investigations, including ground surveys and excavations, are needed for validation. The research contributes to the understanding of the region's historical and cultural significance, highlights the impact of human activities on archaeological sites, and underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of environmental changes and urban development.