Ancient Cities Discovered Underneath Amazon Rainforest Reveal Complex System
Archeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Amazon rainforest, uncovering a network of ancient cities that were once populated by tens of thousands of people. Using state-of-the-art technology and conducting extensive fieldwork, experts have successfully mapped the Upano valley in the Amazon region, revealing a highly advanced system of settlements. These cities are believed to date back to around 500 BCE to 300 and 600 CE, a time period that coincides with the thriving Roman Empire in Europe.
Archaeologists Unearth Advanced Settlements Dating Back Centuries
The findings, recently published in the renowned journal Science, shed new light on the indigenous cultures of the Amazon rainforest. According to one of the study’s co-authors, archaeologist Antoine Dorison, the cities in the Upano valley were home to a significant population, estimated to be between 10,000 to 30,000 people at their peak. This challenges the conventional notion that Indigenous people in the Amazon were predominantly rural hunter-gatherers. Instead, it suggests that many of them lived in densely populated urban centers comparable to their counterparts in other parts of the world.
Mapping the Upano Valley: New Findings on Ancient Amazonian Cultures
Using cutting-edge technology, including Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), researchers were able to map the Upano valley and identify a series of small platforms, measuring approximately 66 feet by 33 feet. These structures are believed to have served as houses for the inhabitants of the ancient cities. The clusters of platforms were arranged around large civic or ceremonial plazas, indicating a well-developed urban layout. Additionally, evidence of sophisticated agricultural practices, such as drainage systems, was discovered between the platform clusters, leading researchers to refer to these cities as “garden cities.” These findings challenge the perception of the Amazon rainforest as a pristine wilderness and demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Discovering the Garden Cities: What the Small Platforms Reveal
The presence of the small platforms and the organized layout of the Upano valley cities demonstrate an advanced level of urban planning and labor organization. The sheer scale and complexity of these settlements indicate that the ancient Amazonian societies possessed advanced societal and engineering practices. Archeologist José Iriarte, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the significance of these findings in reshaping our understanding of ancient Amazonian cultures. It dispels the myth that Indigenous peoples of the region were isolated hunter-gatherers and highlights the existence of vibrant and interconnected city-dwelling communities.
Paradigm Shift: Indigenous People of the Amazon Were City-Dwellers
This groundbreaking research challenges long-held assumptions about the Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest. The discovery of these advanced settlements across Latin America, from Mexico to Brazil, debunks the notion that Indigenous cultures did not develop complex societies and merely lived in untouched forests. It dispels the colonial notion that European civilizations were superior and that it was their duty to “civilize” the rest of the world. This paradigm shift forces a reevaluation of the historical narrative and recognizes the ingenuity and sophistication of ancient Amazonian cultures.
KnowThis: The groundbreaking discovery of the ancient cities in the Upano valley was made possible through the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology. LIDAR, a remote sensing method employed to inspect the Earth’s surface, provided invaluable data for mapping the region. This technology, typically utilized by airplanes and helicopters, involved sending pulses of light downward to measure the distance to the Earth’s surface, thereby generating precise 3D information about the surveyed area.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The discovery of ancient cities in the Amazon rainforest challenges assumptions about Indigenous cultures and highlights their advanced urban planning and societal practices. This paradigm shift recognizes the ingenuity and sophistication of ancient Amazonian cultures.
As an analyst, this discovery will spark further interest in studying and understanding ancient Amazonian cultures and their impact on global history. It may also lead to increased tourism and conservation efforts in the region.
