Lost Egyptian pyramids discovered by satellite images

By IBTimes Staff Reporter: Subscribe to IBTimes's

May 25, 2011 6:27 AM EDT

Recent satellite surveys have identified the existence of seventeen lost pyramids in Egypt including thousands of tombs and ancient settlements.

A team of archeologists have analyzed satellite images that are of very high resolution. The satellites used for the purpose are at a distance of 700 km above the surface of Earth and are equipped with cameras so powerful they can pin-point objects less than 1m in diameter on the earth's surface, the BBC reports.

"To excavate a pyramid is the dream of every archaeologist. We were very intensely doing this research for over a year," the UK-based broadcaster quoted Dr Sarah Parcak from the University of Alabama stating. "I could see the data as it was emerging, but for me the "A-Ha" moment was when I could step back and look at everything that we'd found and I couldn't believe we could locate so many sites all over Egypt."

For the purpose of constructing houses, the ancient Egyptians used mud-brick which is a lot denser than soil.

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