In the lush foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes, a groundbreaking discovery has been made – an immense, ancient urban complex, hidden for centuries in the Ecuadorian Amazon. This revelation, brought to light through advanced laser scanning technology, is challenging our understanding of the Amazon’s ancient civilizations.
A Technological Breakthrough Reveals Hidden Wonders
The use of airborne laser scanning, known as lidar, has revolutionized archaeology, especially in regions where dense jungles conceal historical treasures. This technology has previously uncovered extensive Mayan settlements in Guatemala (2018), ancient Olmec ruins in Mexico (2021), and the Casarabe complex in the Bolivian Amazon (2022). Now, it’s shedding light on the Ecuadorian Amazon’s largest and earliest known farm-based urban settlements.
A Vast Network of Ancient Infrastructure
What was once thought to be mere forest is now known to be an elaborately designed landscape, comprising around 6,000 mounds, which served as homes and communal spaces, and 15 interconnected settlements. These were linked by sophisticated road networks, with expansive agricultural fields for crops like maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and yucca. Tiered gardens within these settlements indicate a well-planned urban environment, far from the previously assumed simple village roads.
A Paradigm Shift in Amazonian History
This discovery, according to Christopher Fisher, an archaeologist not involved in the study, represents a significant shift in our understanding of the Amazon. It suggests a far more extensive human presence and landscape modification than previously believed. The Upano Valley, rich and fertile, sits at the base of a towering volcano. Despite previous studies of its human-made mounds, the 2015 lidar scans commissioned by the Ecuadorian government have revealed the true scale and sophistication of these pre-Hispanic settlements.
A Legacy of Ingenious Urban Planning
The lidar data paints a picture of a valley not just dotted with villages, but a fully human-engineered landscape, a product of skilled urban planning. Evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by at least five different cultural groups over a span of 2,000 years, starting around 500 B.C. This opens up new questions about the population size and the societal structures of these ancient groups.
Reimagining the Past, Understanding the Present
Anthropological archaeologist Anna Cohen, not part of the study, notes that this discovery expands our understanding of historical urbanism, emphasizing the importance of considering green spaces alongside built structures. Additionally, the research sheds light on the pre-European conquest era. The Amazon, often viewed as a pristine wilderness, was once a thriving, cultivated landscape, significantly altered by Indigenous populations, many of whom succumbed to diseases brought by European explorers.
Ancient Amazonian Civilization
This groundbreaking discovery is more than an archaeological triumph; it’s a portal into a long-lost world. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient civilizations, and as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of historical events on indigenous populations and their environments.
Frequently Asked Questions about: The Ancient Urban Complex in the Ecuadorian Amazon
1. What was discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon?
A: An extensive ancient urban complex was discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon, comprising around 6,000 human-made mounds, 15 interconnected settlements, intricate road systems, and large agricultural fields. This complex is now known as the largest and earliest example of farm-based urban settlements in the Amazon.
2. How was this ancient complex discovered?
A: The complex was discovered using airborne laser scanning technology known as lidar (Light Detection and Ranging). This technology allowed researchers to penetrate the dense jungle canopy and reveal the hidden structures beneath.
3. Where exactly is this discovery located?
A: The discovery is located in the Upano Valley, a fertile basin at the foot of a massive volcano in the eastern foothills of the Andes, within the Ecuadorian Amazon.
4. How old is this urban complex?
A: The complex dates back to around 500 B.C., suggesting that it was in use for approximately 2,000 years. It is believed to have been inhabited by at least five different cultural groups during this period.
5. What does this discovery tell us about the people who lived there?
A: This discovery indicates that the people who lived there were highly skilled in urban planning and agriculture. They created a fully human-engineered landscape, with homes, community spaces, and agricultural areas, demonstrating advanced societal structures and environmental adaptation.
6. What were the key findings from the lidar scans?
A: The lidar scans revealed the vast scale of the ancient urban complex, showing not just individual structures, but also the interconnected nature of the settlements, roads, and agricultural fields, which had previously been obscured by the dense forest.
7. Why is this discovery significant?
A: This discovery is significant because it challenges previous assumptions about the extent and sophistication of ancient civilizations in the Amazon. It suggests that these areas were much more densely populated and environmentally modified than previously thought, leading to a paradigm shift in our understanding of pre-Hispanic Amazonian societies.
8. What are the next steps in researching this ancient complex?
A: Future research will focus on calculating the population size, understanding the societal structures of the groups that lived there, and further exploring the extent of the urban planning and agricultural practices. Additionally, there is ongoing work to better understand the cultural and historical context of these settlements.
9. Can the public visit this site?
A: As of now, the site is primarily a focus for archaeological research and is not open to the general public for visits. However, ongoing studies and findings are regularly shared with the public through academic publications and media reports.
10. How does this discovery impact our understanding of the Amazon before European conquest?
A: This discovery sheds new light on the Amazon before European conquest, suggesting that it was not a pristine wilderness but a highly cultivated and modified landscape. It provides evidence of the sophisticated societies that thrived in the Amazon and
were dramatically affected by the arrival of Europeans, especially in terms of population decline due to diseases introduced during the conquest.
11. What types of crops were grown by the ancient inhabitants?
A: The ancient inhabitants cultivated various crops, including maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and yucca. The lidar scans revealed agricultural fields that were likely used for these crops, indicating advanced farming techniques and food cultivation practices.
12. How does this discovery change our view of ancient urbanism?
A: This discovery expands our understanding of ancient urbanism, particularly in the Amazon. It shows that urban development in ancient times was not limited to well-known civilizations like the Maya or the Inca but also included complex, farm-based urban settlements in the Amazon, highlighting the diversity and sophistication of ancient urban planning.
13. What does the discovery tell us about the environmental impact of ancient civilizations?
A: The discovery indicates that ancient civilizations in the Amazon significantly modified their environment, challenging the notion of the Amazon as an untouched wilderness. It shows that human impact on the environment is not just a modern phenomenon but has deep historical roots.
14. Is this the only such discovery in the Amazon?
A: While this is one of the most significant discoveries in the Amazon due to its size and complexity, it is not the only one. Other ancient settlements and structures have been discovered in various parts of the Amazon, suggesting a rich and diverse history of human occupation in the region.
15. How does this discovery contribute to the field of archaeology?
A: This discovery is a testament to the power of modern technology, like lidar, in archaeology. It demonstrates how new tools can uncover hidden aspects of human history, providing insights into ancient civilizations that were not possible with traditional excavation methods alone.