Usage of 逆に

[Yoshie]

Why is it 逆に used here? What exactly does the author trying to contradict with it?

遺跡の周りを見渡すがこの遺跡以外は特に何も無い。
森林は遺跡を覆い隠すほどに茂っており、これが逆に遺跡を人目から隠す原因となっている。

 

[Mike Cash]

The fact that otherwise there's not a blessed thing anywhere around there to hide/obstruct the ruins. So what would otherwise be in plain view is 逆に hidden,

 

[Yoshie]

Thanks for help!

 

[killerinsidee]

I have a small question about this 逆に. Does it imply that (森林が) 遺跡を人目から隠す原因となっている is contrary to the speaker's expectations?

 

[SomeCallMeChris]

I have a small question about this 逆に. Does it imply that (森林が) 遺跡を人目から隠す原因となっている is contrary to the speaker's expectations?

No, it's that 人目から隠す原因 even exists that is contrary, when 特に何もない as far as the eye can see around the ruins. It's unexpected that isolated ruins with nothing else around are concealed, not that thickly growing woods conceal the ruins.