Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Amazon region with LIDAR technology in archeology. They found an ancient city hidden in Ecuador’s thick rainforest. This city, lost over time, was among the bustling Amazon rainforest cities 2,000 years ago. Its population was as big as Roman-era London.
This discovery marks a significant moment in Ecuadorian archeology. It sheds light on the rich cultural past of the Upano civilization. This civilization gives us new insights into ancient civilizations in South America. It challenges the old belief that pre-Columbian Amazonia was a barely populated ‘untouched wilderness.’ Instead, evidence shows it was filled with large settlements involved in detailed city planning and environmental care.
Archeologists used ground-penetrating LIDAR scans to uncover the city’s secrets. They found over 6,000 earth mounds, wide roads as broad as 33 feet, and intricate agricultural systems with detailed drainage. These findings reveal a society of at least 10,000 people, linked by a network of settlements over 20 kilometers. This cultural heritage highlights a complex and connected ancient society.
The city thrived from around 500 B.C. to 300-600 A.D. It showcases the Upano people’s architectural skill, who used mud instead of stone for building. This civilization demonstrates a well-organized, labor-intensive society. It stands as a testament to the Amazonian societies’ resilience and creativity. Their legacy, hidden under the forest canopy, has been waiting for its moment of rediscovery.
Rediscovery of a Prehistoric Metropolis in the Upano Valley
A recent discovery in the Upano Valley shines a light on ancient cultures. It significantly advances our understanding of Amazonian societies. Advanced LIDAR scanning has exposed a vast network of prehistoric urban centers hidden by the Amazon’s thick forests. This survey has mapped out ancient constructions of the Kilamope and Upano cultures, shifting our views on historical society’s complexity.
A Glimpse into the Upano and Kilamano Civilizations
The Upano Valley’s findings reveal a society with complex urban planning. Over two decades of research have found more than 6,000 platforms for various uses. These include plazas and ceremonial centers, key for understanding ancient city life.
LIDAR Technology Reveals a Network of Ancient Settlements
LIDAR scanning has uncovered a vast area of about 600 square kilometers. It revealed a huge urban area along with roads, agricultural terraces, and drainage systems. This technology has revolutionized how archeologists map ancient sites, showing details almost impossible to spot before.
Comparing the Lost Cities to Roman-Era London
Comparing the Upano Valley’s ancient city to Roman London shows both had advanced social structures. The analysis indicates these cities were packed with people living in well-organized spaces. This suggests a level of civil engineering in ancient Amazonian societies not seen before.
| Feature | Upano Valley Settlements | Roman-era London |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Population | Tens to hundreds of thousands | Approximately 60,000 at its peak |
| Urban Planning | Advanced, with ceremonial centers and plazas | Highly structured, with a planned military layout |
| Civic Structures | Large platforms likely used for various communal purposes | Public baths, forums, and basilicas |
| Agricultural Infrastructure | Extensive terraces and advanced irrigation systems | Sophisticated farming and aqueducts |
This comparison not only equates the Upano Valley settlements with famed ancient urban systems but also moves forward the study of ancient societies.
Archaeologists Uncover Ancient City: Unveiling the Amazon’s Hidden Wonders
An ancient city was found in Ecuador’s Upano Valley. This discovery greatly adds to our knowledge of Amazonian archaeology. It shows us the rich heritage of the Amazon’s indigenous people. The city, found by archaeologist Stéphen Rostain, spans 300 square kilometers. It reveals a civilization from 2,500 years ago.
This finding challenges the idea of the Amazon as just a wild place. It shows the Amazon was home to advanced cultures. The area includes about 6,000 platforms used as living spaces. Some larger platforms were likely used for public or religious events. This points to a society with advanced planning.
They also had advanced farming techniques. The settlement had well-designed drainage and terraced fields. Defensive structures around these areas show they were ready to protect their achievements. This indicates a community that valiantly safeguarded its resources and accomplishments.
The city’s complexity is similar to that of the Mayans. They had long roads and water systems for crop irrigation. These feats suggest a society with skilled labor. They mainly grew maize and sweet potatoes.
LiDAR technology helped uncover this city. It revealed thousands of platforms used for living and ceremonies. These findings prove the society was complex and culturally rich. This contrasts with the simple nomadic tribes described by early explorers.
The discoveries in the Amazon are amazing. They show the strength and creativity of its ancient peoples. What seemed like a basic area is actually full of history and innovation. This invites more research to fully understand its significance to our world’s history.
The Architectural Ingenuity of Ancient Amazonian Societies
LiDAR technology has exposed the ancient Amazon’s secrets, revealing a civilization skilled in sustainable building and society management. These early people used earth, not stone, to build over 6,000 rectangular platforms. This site spreads across 300 square kilometers. It shows the vast, organized urban life that lasted as long as the Roman Empire.
Construction Techniques with Earth Instead of Stone
Unlike the stone buildings of the Andes, ancient Amazonians used mud brick. They built huge structures, some as big as 30 soccer fields. Gathering tens or hundreds of thousands to build these suggests strong labor organization. This flexible building approach created structures that have lasted through thick jungle growth over centuries.
The Role of Organized Labor in Building Earthen Mounds and Roads
LiDAR shows ancient roads, canals, and causeways, highlighting advanced transportation and water management. Such widespread construction needed organized labor, similar to other great ancient civilizations. This indicates a bustling city that could significantly alter its environment.
Agricultural Infrastructure and Drainage Systems
The advanced drainage and canal systems were key for high-yield farming. Together with mounds and causeways, they show deep understanding of agriculture and irrigation. These discoveries change how we see the Amazon’s Casarabe civilization. They reveal a society with architectural and engineering skills as impressive as the Andes.
