Archaeologists Uncover Lost Cities in the Amazon Rainforest
A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the Amazon rainforest, as archaeologists have uncovered a network of settlements and connected roadways that were home to at least 10,000 farmers around 2,000 years ago. This incredible find sheds new light on the early complex societies that existed in this region long before the arrival of Europeans.
The cluster of lost cities in the rainforest was first noticed more than two decades ago by archaeologist Stéphen Rostain, but it wasn’t until the recent use of laser-sensor technology that the true extent of these ancient settlements was revealed. This network of settlements and connecting roadways, tucked into the forested foothills of the Andes, thrived for about 1,000 years and was occupied by the Upano people between 500BC and AD300 to 600.
The discoveries included residential and ceremonial buildings erected on more than 6,000 earthen mounds, surrounded by agricultural fields with drainage canals. The largest roads were 33 feet wide and stretched for 6-12 miles, indicating a highly organized and advanced society that required an immense amount of labor to build.
The findings have been described as “a lost valley of cities” and provide a new understanding of the complexity and diversity of early societies in the Amazon. This groundbreaking research showcases the incredible sophistication and ingenuity of ancient civilizations in the region.
For years, the Amazon has been thought of as a pristine wilderness with only small groups of people, but recent discoveries have shown that the reality is far more complex. The uncovering of these lost cities and connecting roadways is just the latest example of the rich and diverse history of the Amazon rainforest.
This discovery is not only a significant archaeological find but also an important reminder of the intricate and advanced societies that lived in the Amazon long before European contact. As scientists continue to uncover new evidence, it is clear that the past of the Amazon is much more complex and diverse than previously thought.