In a groundbreaking discovery in the Ecuadorian Amazon, archaeologists have uncovered the remnants of ancient cities, home to at least 10,000 people about 2,000 years ago. This remarkable revelation was made possible by the use of LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which allowed researchers to penetrate the dense rainforest canopy and expose a hidden network of settlements and roadways.

The Upano Civilization and Its Advanced Infrastructure

The cities were inhabited by the Upano people between 500 BC and 600 AD, showcasing a highly organized and sophisticated civilization. The cities were surrounded by agricultural fields and equipped with advanced drainage systems, highlighting the Upano’s exceptional ability to manage their environment. The discovery revealed main roads up to 10 meters (33 feet) wide, stretching over 20 kilometers (12 miles), connecting various settlements in an expansive network.

This complex infrastructure challenges previous ᴀssumptions that the Amazon was sparsely populated by small tribes. Instead, it points to a thriving, interconnected society that was capable of large-scale urban planning, agricultural management, and environmental adaptation.

Shifting Our Understanding of Pre-Columbian Amazonian Societies

These findings fundamentally change how we view pre-Columbian societies in the Amazon. The scale and sophistication of these cities suggest that the Amazon Basin was home to advanced, densely populated civilizations, well-connected through trade and shared cultural practices. The use of LIDAR not only revealed roads but also ritual sites and cultural artifacts, offering insights into the religious and social structures of these ancient communities.

Future Research and Implications

The discovery opens new avenues for exploration, with researchers now focusing on learning more about the Upano people’s agricultural practices, social systems, and the decline of these civilizations. As LIDAR technology continues to reveal hidden structures, further discoveries are expected, deepening our understanding of ancient Amazonian cultures.

Conclusion

The lost cities of the Amazon are reshaping our perception of ancient civilizations in the Americas. The Upano people’s remarkable achievements in urban planning and environmental adaptation demonstrate that the Amazon was once home to sophisticated societies far more advanced than previously imagined. This discovery challenges old ᴀssumptions and opens up new research paths that will continue to redefine our understanding of human history in the Amazon region.