Archaeologists have made an astounding discovery deep in the Amazon rainforest – a massive 10,000-year-old ancient city that challenges our understanding of the history of human civilization. Hidden for thousands of years by dense vegetation, this ancient city in the Upano area of eastern Ecuador reveals a complex urban society that was previously unknown in the Amazon region. This groundbreaking finding sheds new light on the culture and civilization of ancient Amazonian people and demands a reevaluation of our Eurocentric view of ancient societies.
The ancient city, built around 2,500 years ago, was inhabited for approximately 1,000 years by a population estimated to be in the tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands. Contrary to the popular belief that people in the Amazon lived nomadically or in small settlements, this discovery demonstrates that ancient Amazonian people lived in highly organized and interconnected urban societies.
The excavation and survey of the Upano area were carried out by a team of archaeologists using state-of-the-art LiDAR technology. This advanced laser scanning technology enabled the scientists to identify the remains of the city beneath the dense vegetation. The LiDAR technology revealed over 6,000 rectangular platforms, each measuring around 20m by 10m and standing at a height of 2-3m. These platforms were arranged in groups, surrounding plazas with central platforms. While most of these structures served as residential areas, some were believed to be utilized for ceremonial purposes.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the ancient city is its elaborate road network. The scientists discovered a network of straight roads and paths that extended for vast distances and connected the various platforms. The precise arrangement of these roads, with right angles and impressive engineering, indicates a high level of sophistication in urban planning. The researchers speculate that these roads held great cultural or ceremonial significance for the ancient Amazonian people.
Additionally, the archaeologists identified causeways with ditches on either side, believed to be canals that played a role in managing the abundant water in the region. However, signs of threats to the cities were also evident, as some ditches were found to block entrances to the settlements, potentially indicating conflicts with neighboring groups.
This discovery challenges the prevailing notion that ancient Amazonian societies were primitive and small-scale. The Upano ancient city, with its extensive infrastructure and complex societal organization, rivals the well-known Mayan societies of Mexico and Central America in terms of its size and complexity. The unique architectural features, including octagonal and rectangular platforms placed together, distinguish this civilization from others in South America.
Although much remains unknown about the daily lives and cultures of the people who inhabited this ancient city, excavations have uncovered pits, hearths, jars, grinding stones, and burnt seeds. These findings suggest an agricultural society that relied on crops such as maize and sweet potatoes, and possibly consumed a type of sweet beer known as “chicha.”
The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. It not only expands our understanding of the ancient civilizations of the Amazon but also challenges long-held assumptions about the capabilities and cultural sophistication of ancient societies outside of Europe and Asia. This discovery signifies the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to studying and interpreting ancient civilizations worldwide.
Moving forward, further research and exploration are required to unlock the secrets of the adjoining 300 sq km area that remains unexplored. The full extent and intricacies of this colossal ancient city are yet to be fully revealed, promising even more exciting discoveries in the future. The unearthing of this ancient city in the heart of the Amazon rainforest is a testament to the enduring mysteries and wonders of our world, as well as the importance of preserving and understanding our shared human history.
