Lost Cities of the Amazon: Unveiling the Ancient Marvels Hidden for Millennia
Lost Cities of the Amazon: Unveiling the Ancient Marvels Hidden for Millennia
LiDAR or Laser-Sensor Technology Illuminates a 2,000-Year-Old Network of Marvels
In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery1, a team of researchers has unveiled the remains of a lost civilization that thrived in the heart of the Amazon rainforest around 2,000 years ago. Employing cutting-edge laser-sensor technology, or LiDAR, scientists have brought to light a network of earthen mounds and buried roads, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of at least 10,000 farmers who called this mysterious valley home.
The Enigma Unearthed: Rediscovering Ancient Wonders
More than two decades ago, archaeologist Stéphen Rostain first caught sight of a series of enigmatic earthen mounds and buried roads in Ecuador. However, the puzzle remained unsolved until recent advancements in mapping technology offered a clearer picture. What was once a puzzling assortment of structures has now been revealed as a lost valley of interconnected cities, a marvel tucked away in the rainforest foothills of the Andes.
A Journey Back in Time: The Upano People and Their Flourishing Civilization
Occupied by the Upano people from 500 BC to AD 300-600, this ancient civilization thrived in a period parallel to the grandeur of the Roman Empire in Europe. Residential and ceremonial buildings adorned over 6,000 earthen mounds, surrounded by agricultural fields with intricate drainage canals. The extensive roadways, some as wide as 33 feet and stretching for 6-12 miles, speak to a level of urban planning and sophistication previously unknown in this region.
Unraveling the Population Puzzle: From 10,000 to 30,000 Inhabitants
Estimating populations from such distant eras is challenging, yet the site is believed to have hosted a community of at least 10,000, possibly swelling to 15,000 or even 30,000 at its zenith. This density, comparable to the population of Roman-era London, showcases the complexity of a society thriving amidst the lush Amazonian landscape.
Mud, Labor, and Complexity: Building the Impossible
The construction of extensive roads and thousands of earthen mounds in a region where stone was not readily available speaks to the immense labor and organizational prowess of the Upano people. According to José Iriarte, a University of Exeter archaeologist, this feat rivals the achievements of the Inca and Mayan civilizations, shedding light on the diverse ways in which different cultures adapted to their environments.
Beyond the Wilderness Myth: Rediscovering the Amazon's Rich History
Contrary to the notion of the Amazon as an untouched wilderness, recent discoveries challenge our understanding of the past. The intricate societies revealed in Ecuador join a growing list of complex Amazonian cultures discovered in Bolivia and Brazil, showcasing the region's rich and diverse history.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey of Discovery
As Stéphen Rostain remarks, "There’s always been an incredible diversity of people and settlements in the Amazon, not only one way to live. We’re just learning more about them." This discovery marks a pivotal moment in uncovering the hidden chapters of human history, inviting anthropologists and geneticists alike to delve deeper into the complexities of ancient civilizations in the heart of the rainforest.
Rostain, S., Dorison, A., de Saulieu, G., Prümers, H., Le Pennec, J.-L., Mejía Mejía, F., Freire, A. M., Pagán-Jiménez, J. R., & Descola, P. (2024). Two thousand years of garden urbanism in the Upper Amazon. Science (New York, N.Y.), 383(6679), 183–189. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adi6317