Hidden within the Amazon rainforest, a 3,000-year-old city has been uncovered

In the heart of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, a remarkable discovery has come to light—an enormous city hidden beneath the lush vegetation. Unveiled through the use of LiDAR technology, this ancient city in the Upano valley boasts a sophisticated urban layout, challenging preconceptions about the region’s historical civilizations. According to the BBC, the city’s houses and plazas were intricately connected by a network of roads and canals, showcasing a level of complexity not previously associated with Amazonian cultures.

The revelation, led by Prof Stephen Rostain from the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, challenges the Eurocentric view of civilization. Rostain emphasized the need to reconsider our notions of culture and civilization, urging a shift away from narrow perspectives. The newfound city in the Upano valley is older than any other known site in the Amazon, prompting a reevaluation of historical timelines and the richness of ancient Amazonian societies.

Antoine Dorison, a co-author of the study, highlighted the significance of this discovery in reshaping perceptions. He noted that the common image of small, primitive groups living in huts doesn’t align with the reality of ancient people thriving in intricate urban societies. This challenges stereotypes, portraying a more nuanced picture of Amazonian cultures that were once thriving and complex.

New Scientist reported that the city is estimated to be between 3,000 and 1,500 years old, predating other pre-Columbian sites discovered in the Amazon. The inhabitants lived in this thriving city for an astonishing 1,000 years, offering a glimpse into the longevity and stability of their society. This longevity adds another layer to the complexity of the Amazon’s historical narrative.

The breakthrough, achieved through LiDAR technology, dates back to a survey conducted in 2015. Despite the passage of time, the results have only recently been published, unveiling a wealth of information about the ancient. The LiDAR survey exposed more than 6,000 raised earthen platforms across an expansive 300-square-kilometer area. These platforms served as the foundations for wooden buildings, and subsequent excavations have unveiled intriguing details such as post holes and fireplaces, providing insights into the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants.

The research team’s findings extend beyond the city itself, revealing a comprehensive understanding of the broader region. The surveyed area included five major settlements, each contributing to the overall complexity of the society that once thrived in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The intricate road network discovered through the survey adds another layer of sophistication to the ancient civilization, with the longest road stretching an impressive 25 kilometers. This network reflects advanced planning and engineering, challenging assumptions about the capabilities of ancient Amazonian cultures.

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