Archaeologists have uncovered a vast network of ancient settlements in the Amazon rainforest, challenging the perception of it being untouched wilderness.
These settlements, dating back over 2,500 years, featured large cities, complex communities, roadways, monumental buildings, and advanced farming systems.
More than 6000 earthen platforms connected by roads were found in the Upano Valley, revealing a densely populated urban civilization estimated to have housed 10,000 to 30,000 people.
The settlements were part of the Kilamope and Upano cultures, practicing sedentary agriculture and ritual activities that shaped the environment for ceremonial and social purposes.
Resilient to challenges like volcanic eruptions from the nearby Sangay volcano, the communities showed adaptability and reoccupation of structures over centuries.
This discovery overturns assumptions about Amazonia as a wilderness devoid of urban development, showcasing the cultural complexity and architectural ingenuity of ancient Amazonian societies.
The findings emphasize the dual heritage of the Amazon region, underscoring its natural richness and vibrant Indigenous history.
The study aims to inspire further exploration and appreciation of the Amazon's rich past, revealing the intricate complexity and diversity of an unexplored world.
The ancient network of cities hidden in the Amazon rainforest sheds light on the remarkable achievements of pre-Hispanic Amazonian societies, waiting to be rediscovered.
This fascinating discovery encourages a reevaluation of preconceived notions about the region and underscores the depth of human history beneath the rainforest canopy.