Huge Ancient Lost City Found In The Amazon?!

Summary

This video discusses a groundbreaking archaeological discovery in eastern Ecuador, where a sophisticated, ancient civilization thrived 2500 years ago in the Upano Valley. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about Amazonian societies, revealing large, complex urban settlements with advanced roads, platforms, and canals, built by a society that may have existed for over 1,500 years. The researcher explains how the discovery builds on prior research, offering new insights into ancient South American societies, and highlights the significance of these findings in understanding the history of the Amazon region and its civilizations.

Takeaways

• 😀 A 2500-year-old archaeological discovery in the Upano Valley, Ecuador, reveals a complex ancient civilization.
• 😀 This civilization thrived in the Andes mountain range, near a volcano that enriched the soil but also posed risks.
• 😀 The discovery contradicts previous assumptions about Amazonian societies being nomadic or simple, showing advanced urbanization.
• 😀 Laser scanning technology revealed 6,000 rectangular platforms, with many believed to be residential and ceremonial sites.
• 😀 A sophisticated road network of over 25 km (16 miles) connected these platforms, similar to modern cities like New York.
• 😀 The civilization's agricultural practices included crops like maize and sweet potatoes, with possible use of chica (a type of beer).
• 😀 Unique rectangular and octagonal platforms differentiate this society from other South American civilizations, including the Maya.
• 😀 Researchers found evidence of large cities possibly housing tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people.
• 😀 The ancient Upano Valley civilization may have been larger than the Mayan civilization, with a highly organized society.
• 😀 The discovery challenges our understanding of South America's ancient cultures, indicating a highly sophisticated urban society existed long before European colonization.
• 😀 Further research is planned to explore more of the area, uncovering additional mysteries about Amazonian civilizations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the discovery in the Upano Valley?

The discovery reveals that a complex civilization thrived 2,500 years ago in eastern Ecuador, challenging the belief that ancient Amazon societies were primarily nomadic tribes. The findings include an advanced urban structure, with roads, canals, and large platforms, showing the sophistication of the region's ancient inhabitants.

How were the archaeological sites in the Upano Valley discovered?

Archaeologists first detected evidence of the civilization in the 1970s, with further exploration occurring over the years. The breakthrough came from using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which allowed researchers to survey large areas and discover extensive settlements beneath dense forest canopies.

What types of structures were found in the Upano Valley?

The researchers uncovered rectangular platforms, some as large as 40x40 meters, which were likely used for domestic purposes or ceremonial activities. Additionally, there were roads, canals, and plazas connected by sophisticated networks, indicating a highly organized society.

What is the role of LiDAR technology in this discovery?

LiDAR played a crucial role by using laser sensors to scan the landscape from the air, revealing hidden structures beneath the forest canopy. This technology enabled the discovery of 6,000 rectangular platforms, roads, and other features across a 300-square-kilometer area.

How advanced were the societies in the Upano Valley compared to other ancient civilizations?

The societies in the Upano Valley were highly advanced, with intricate urban planning and a network of straight roads, some extending over 25 kilometers. These civilizations were likely more sophisticated than previously thought, with some researchers suggesting their population could have reached tens or even hundreds of thousands.

What does the presence of straight roads suggest about the civilization?

The presence of straight roads, especially those designed with right angles, indicates a high level of planning and engineering. This is significant because straight roads are more difficult to build in uneven terrain, suggesting that the society had advanced knowledge of construction and urban planning.

What types of evidence were found that provide insights into the daily lives of the people?

Archaeologists found bits and pieces of domestic items, such as grinding stones, jars, and evidence of food remains like sweet potatoes and maize. These artifacts provide insights into the agricultural practices and daily life of the ancient inhabitants of the Upano Valley.

How did the surrounding environment influence the development of these ancient societies?

The area’s volcanic soil was rich in nutrients, supporting agriculture, which likely allowed the civilization to thrive. However, the volcanic activity may have also played a role in the eventual decline of the society, with some of the canals possibly being used for defense against threats from neighboring groups.

How does this discovery challenge previous ideas about ancient societies in the Amazon?

This discovery challenges the notion that Amazonian societies were small, nomadic, or less advanced than other ancient civilizations. Instead, it shows that complex urban societies existed in the region for over a thousand years, with organized settlements, advanced infrastructure, and agricultural systems.

What are the next steps for researchers working on this site?

Researchers are planning to survey another 300 square kilometers near the current site to uncover more hidden structures. As LiDAR technology continues to evolve, they hope to reveal further insights into the ancient civilizations of the Amazon and their contributions to history.