Drones in Archaeology
Drone data is supporting archaeological conservation in Tanzania
Engaruka is an abandoned system of ruins in the Great Rift Valley of Northern Tanzania. Situated in the Arusha province, it is famed for its irrigation and cultivation structures. It is considered one of the most important Iron Age archaeological sites in Eastern Africa (Wikipedia).
Olemelepo Village is located on the southern part of the Engaruka Ruins site. It was once one-of-seven ancient villages inhabited by a vanished society 500-700 years ago.The stone circles are evidence of dwellings while the stone lines show furrows and canals. Other visible features are stone wall terraces and rectangular stone lines which are cairns (a prehistoric burial mound). Archaeologists are still investigating why this site was abandoned and what happened to the founders. Follow this link to learn more about how archaeologists are using drones in their work.