1. Laser scanning is a technology used to analyze an object or site in order to get information about its shape, details, color, elements, and other relevant data. Since this technology is not invasive, it is used in archaeology to study ancient human artifacts and ancient constructions and tombs. This way, the archaeologists can get information about the interior of these objects and sites without damaging them and, thus, preserve their cultural heritage. For these reasons, laser scanning is being used to study and explore the interior of ancient Nabatean buildings in the city of Petra, in Jordan.
2. Petra is an important archaeological site and it was the capital of the Ancient Nabatean kingdom. It is located in a narrow and dry valley, in the middle of the desert, and it is entirely sculpted in the stone of the mountain. It includes tombs of important Nabatean kings and citizens, like "Al-Khaznah" (the treasure), which is a big and very detailed construction sculpted in the rock of the narrow defile. This magnificent building, like "Ad Deir" (the monastery), another construction of similar characteristics and proportions, presents Hellenistic architectonic elements.
3. Traditionally, archaeologists believed that the original masons used ropes and platforms in order to build the constructions from the top to the ground. The scans showed that they put giant steps on the rock in order to construct it and nobody was hanging dangerously in high altitude.
4. Archaeologist found evidence of a big garden pool area in the Southern Terrace. It was like an oasis in the middle of the desert. The scans showed to the archaeologists that the Southern Terrace was part of a large architectural project.
5. By using the ground penetrating radar, archaeologists found a hidden staircase. This is an important discovery since this opened a new terrain of exploration for the researchers. This site was believed, according to the legend, to hide the treasures of the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs.
6. Technology is changing archaeology because, in the past, archaeologists had to excavate and, many times, to damage part of the ancient buildings and artifacts in order to analyze them. Today, new technology allows them to see what is inside tombs and ancient buildings, and to study small and complicated details without damaging its heritage.
