Advances in technology supplement and challenge previous knowledge, while also revealing what is yet unknown. One example comes from the jungles of Cambodia. Archaeologists have researched ruins of the ancient city of Angkor for over a century. Despite this lengthy study, laser technology has only recently revealed an underlying structure of the area; this includes an entirely separate ancient city, previously undiscovered. New information on such a large scale required re-examination of conclusions drawn from previously collected data; it also demonstrated the possible scope of further discovery. The success in Angkor will inspire others to consider the unknown and take the initiative to possibly make similar discoveries; this will inspire more advances in technology, and the cycle of knowledge will continue.
This is such an interesting topic. It reminds me how important it is not to mistake science for truth. The truth of science is really just a posteriori knowledge. No matter how much evidence you have gathered from previous data, there is always the possibility that your beliefs about that data can be proven wrong. I think archaeologists are pretty frank about their uncertainty. Other disciplines, though, are a little too sure of themselves at times.
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