Lidar technology, capable of penetrating forest cover to reveal hidden archaeological sites, has uncovered evidence of a network of interconnected cities in Ecuador's Upano Valley. The settlements, dating back at least 2500 years, are considered the oldest complex society discovered in the Amazonian region. The lidar survey, funded by Ecuador's National Institute for Cultural Heritage in 2015, revealed large settlements like Sangay and Kilamope, characterized by mounds, plazas, decorated pottery, and agricultural fields. The lidar data exposed the connections between these cities, showcasing a previously unknown ancient urban network.
Archaeologist Stéphen Rostain, who began excavating in the Upano Valley nearly 30 years ago, had initially focused on two large settlements. However, the lidar survey expanded the scope, identifying five large settlements and ten smaller ones across 300 square kilometers. The cities were interconnected by wide, straight roads, and streets ran between houses and neighborhoods within each settlement. The network of roads suggests simultaneous existence, making these Amazonian cities a millennium older than other known complex societies in the region.
The lidar data also revealed the extent of landscape modification in the Upano Valley, showcasing dense urbanism, agricultural terraces, and interconnected cities. Archaeologists believe there is much more to discover in the Ecuadorian Amazon, emphasizing the ancient cultural diversity of the region. The findings challenge previous assumptions about the Amazon rainforest being sparsely populated and home to simple hunter-gatherer societies.
While the Upano Valley cities are older and denser than other known complex Amazonian societies, researchers caution against direct comparisons with civilizations like the Classic Maya or Teotihuacan. The study marks a significant advancement in understanding the pre-Columbian Amazon, and archaeologists are eager to explore more details about the functioning, governance, and interactions of these ancient cities. The discovery underscores the ongoing potential for uncovering hidden archaeological treasures on Earth, even in the 21st century.
