Utilizing advanced laser-sensor technology, archaeologists have meticulously mapped a cluster of lost cities nestled within the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, revealing a thriving civilization dating back approximately 2,000 years ago.
First identified over two decades ago by archaeologist Stéphen Rostain, the intricate network of settlements and connecting roadways has been unveiled as a remarkable testament to the Upano people’s legacy. Stéphen Rostain, leading investigations at France’s National Center for Scientific Research, described the expansive area as a “lost valley of cities,” encompassing a duration of around 1,000 years from 500 B.C. to 300-600 A.D.
The archaeological marvels encompass residential and ceremonial structures erected atop over 6,000 earthen mounds, complemented by meticulously designed agricultural fields featuring advanced drainage systems. The interconnected roadways, some spanning up to 12 miles (20 kilometers) in length and 33 feet (10 meters) wide, underscore the civilization’s sophisticated urban planning.
Antoine Dorison, a co-author of the study from the French institute, estimated a population ranging from 10,000 to potentially 30,000 inhabitants at its zenith, drawing parallels to the demographic scale of Roman-era London. The findings illuminate an intricate society characterized by organized labor, as emphasized by experts like University of Florida archaeologist Michael Heckenberger and University of Exeter’s José Iriarte.
Contrary to prevailing perceptions of the Amazon as an untouched wilderness, these discoveries underscore the region’s rich historical tapestry, with evidence of sophisticated societies preceding European contact spanning Bolivia, Brazil, and now, Ecuador. As research progresses, the revelations challenge monolithic narratives, emphasizing the Amazon’s diverse civilizations and their enduring legacies awaiting further exploration.
