[21twelve]

I'm not so sure if the winners would have worried too much about the losers, and I don't think they were likely to hang around. But perhaps, to destroy their vehicles, arms, etc. I suppose.

If there are actual artifacts, I would hope that they would treat it as an archaeological dig with good documentation, etc. Your theory is a good one, but probably not if they have evidence of chariots and other heavy items a mile from shore.

[UCANSEE2]

but probably not if they have evidence of chariots and other heavy items a mile from shore.

Maybe the 'shore' was not where it is now.