Ecuadorian expedition uncovers sprawling urban complexes concealed in the heart of the Amazon rainforest

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists conducting research in Ecuador have unveiled a vast array of ancient cities concealed within the Amazon rainforest for thousands of years. Situated in the Upano region of eastern Ecuador, these settlements have long eluded detection, shrouded by dense vegetation and the imposing silhouette of a dormant volcano.

Deploying a combination of ground excavations and airborne laser sensors, scientists successfully unveiled a network of houses, plazas, roads, and canals that form a complex urban landscape. The technology utilized, including laser sensors flown on a plane, allowed researchers to penetrate the thick foliage, exposing a hidden civilization that has remained a mystery for centuries.

While traces of a city were initially discovered in the 1970s, this recent survey marks the first comprehensive exploration of the ancient Amazonian metropolis. Dating back approximately 2,500 years, these settlements are believed to have housed tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of residents over a millennium.

Contrary to previous assumptions of nomadic or small settlement lifestyles in the highlands of South America, the newly revealed infrastructure challenges these stereotypes. Antoine Dorison, co-author of the study, emphasized the shift in perspective, stating, “This changes the way we see Amazonian cultures,” highlighting the existence of complex urban societies.

The survey unveiled 6,000 rectangular platforms, potentially homes or ceremonial structures, arranged in groups around plazas with central platforms. Of particular significance are the intricate roads, designed with right angles and extending over vast distances, indicating a highly sophisticated network with potential ceremonial or symbolic purposes.

Professor Stephen Rostain, the research leader and director of investigation at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, expressed the transformative nature of the discovery. Rostain noted, “This is older than any other site we know in the Amazon,” challenging Eurocentric views on civilization and culture. The research team plans to extend their exploration to a nearby 300 sq km area, opening the door to further revelations about ancient Amazonian civilizations.