Sarah Parcak

Sarah Parcak
Sarah Parcak
Born Bangor, Maine U.S.
Occupation Assistant Professor, Archaeologist, Egyptologist
Spouse Greg Mumford

Sarah Parcak (born Bangor, Maine), is an American archaeologist and Egyptologist, who uses satellite imaging to identify archaeological sites in Egypt.

Parcak received her Bachelor's degree in Egyptology and Archaeological Studies from Yale University in 2001, and her Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Currently, she is an assistant professor of Anthropology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham; prior to that she was a teacher of Egyptian art and history at the University of Wales, Swansea.[1]

Current work

From 2003 to 2004, Parcak used a combination of satellite imaging analysis and surface surveys in the detection of 132 new archaeological sites, some dating back to 3,000 B.C..[2] In her latest work, Parcak tested several different types of satellite imagery to determine and isolate water sources within the arid region of the Sinai, East Delta and Middle Egypt, potentially determining probable archaeological sites.[2] This new process greatly decreases the time and cost for determining archaeological sites compared to the older method of local surface detection.[3]

In May 2011, Parcak's UAB team announced the discovery of 17 lost pyramids and more than 1,000 tombs and 3,000 ancient settlements outside San El Hagar, Egypt through the study of infrared satellite images which can reveal underground buildings. These satellites, orbiting 435 miles above the Earth, are able to pinpoint objects less than 3 feet in diameter. [4]. The discovery was televised by the BBC in a documentary called "Egpyt's Lost Cities [5]. However, her claims of discovery were challenged by Zahi Hawass, Egypt's Minister of State for Antiquities [6]. Hawass stated that some of the 'new' discoveries were previously known, and others remained unconfirmed at the time the program was aired.

Notes

  1. ^ From the UNLV Department of Art website
  2. ^ a b From the University of Alabama at Birmingham Media Relations website
  3. ^ From the SEPE: Survey and Excavation Projects in Egypt website
  4. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13522957
  5. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011pwms
  6. ^ http://english.ahram.org.eg/~/NewsContent/9/40/12994/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/News-broadcast-by-BBC-is-inaccurate,-says-Hawass.aspx

External links


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