Analisi della convergenza tra logistica militare, telerilevamento aerospaziale e scoperte archeologiche nel XX secolo: correlazione casuale, determinismo orografico o prioritizzazione strategica?

A combination of orographic determinism and military-derived technological spin-off primarily drives the convergence between archaeological discoveries and military activities in the 20th century, according to a comparative analysis of four case studies. The research demonstrates that while some findings may appear accidental, they often result from deliberate strategic prioritization or natural landscape features optimized for both ancient and modern defensive purposes. Methodologically, the study distinguishes between sampling bias, topographic determinism (viewshed optimization), and intentional reuse of ancient structures by military engineering, using a comparative chronological framework and spatial analysis. Cases include the accidental discovery of a Thracian tomb during anti-aircraft trench excavation in Kazanlăk (1944), the strategic use of nuragic complexes for coastal artillery positions at Sant'Elia (Cagliari), and the application of declassified military multispectral sensors to map eroded preceramic terrapens at Poverty Point (USA). The findings challenge traditional narratives of serendipitous archaeological discoveries, highlighting systemic overlaps between military logistics and ancient settlement patterns.

Usai, L. (2026). Analisi della convergenza tra logistica militare, telerilevamento aerospaziale e scoperte archeologiche nel XX secolo: correlazione casuale, determinismo orografico o prioritizzazione strategica? Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.22837622