Archaeologists had previously thought the Amazon rainforest was unsuitable for large societies, assuming it was inhabited by small groups of hunter-gatherers. However, evidence from the past two decades, including massive earthworks and structures, has challenged this view.
The latest discovery, made possible by lidar technology, reveals a network of interconnected cities in Ecuador’s Upano Valley dating back at least 2500 years, making them the oldest known complex societies in the Amazon. Lidar has been instrumental in uncovering hidden urban networks, transforming our understanding of pre-Columbian Amazonian cultures. The Upano Valley settlements, such as Sangay and Kilamope, exhibit organized mounds, decorated pottery, and large jugs containing remnants of maize beer.
The lidar survey, conducted in 2015, exposed the connections between these settlements, identifying five large and ten smaller ones, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of ancient Amazonian societies. The cities were characterized by dense residential and ceremonial structures, rectangular agricultural fields, and well-connected roads.
The extent of modification in Upano Valley’s landscape rivals that of other ancient civilizations, such as the Classic Maya. While the exact population remains unknown, the discovered cities’ scale and interconnectivity mark a significant advancement in our understanding of ancient Amazonian urbanism.
The network of roads suggests simultaneous existence, predating other complex Amazonian societies by a millennium. Despite the similarities with other ancient cultures, details about governance, trade, and daily life are still emerging, emphasizing the ongoing exploration of the rich history hidden beneath the Amazon.
