Quantum tech reveals hidden tunnel beneath Lisbon streets
Archaeologists have discovered an underground tunnel beneath Rua Augusta in Lisbon, buried during the 1755 earthquake. This is the first discovery made possible by modern technology.
An international team of archaeologists, including specialists from France, uncovered an underground tunnel beneath Rua Augusta in Lisbon. This tunnel, likely used for water conveyance, was buried during the 1755 earthquake that struck Portugal's capital.
A major discovery without excavations
Surprisingly, no excavations were conducted to make this underground discovery. The tunnel was found using modern technology. Camille Janvier from Exail, a company specialising in advanced technologies, informed Portuguese television SIC about what is referred to as "quantum archaeology."
The Portuguese Quantum Institute (PQI) chairman, Yasser Omar, explained that a quantum gravimeter, which detects changes in ground density, was used. This allowed the identification of underground structures without the need for excavations.
The tunnel's discovery on Rua Augusta marks the first global application of advanced quantum technology in archaeology. Omar highlighted that this groundbreaking experiment sets a significant precedent, paving the way for modern archaeological advancements. This technology enables efficient detection of underground resources like oil and water and can accurately identify potential weak points in road surfaces where sinkholes might form.
The history of the 1755 earthquake
The November 1, 1755 earthquake was one of the most tragic events in Lisbon's history. The catastrophe destroyed the city, killing up to 40,000 people. The reconstruction of Lisbon, led by the Marquis of Pombal, did not uncover all underground structures, demonstrating how much more can be learned about the city's history.
