Ancient Amazonian Civilization with Millions of Inhabitants Revealed by LiDAR
New research utilizing aerial laser scanning, specifically LiDAR technology, has uncovered evidence of a large, multicultural civilization that flourished in southwestern Amazonia. This ancient society, named the Aquirí civilization, existed between 600 BCE and 850 CE and is estimated to have been home to millions of people. The civilization's territory spanned an impressive area of approximately 183,000 square kilometers. Within this vast region, the Aquirí people constructed significant centers dedicated to political and ritualistic activities. The findings, reported by Phys.org, are based on the analysis of a representative portion of this extensive area. This discovery challenges previous understandings of pre-Columbian Amazonia, suggesting a much larger and more complex human presence than previously thought. The advanced urban planning and scale of construction indicate a sophisticated society with a substantial population density.
This discovery significantly revises the historical understanding of Amazonian settlement patterns, indicating a far more populous and organized pre-Columbian society than previously assumed. The use of LiDAR technology highlights the power of remote sensing in uncovering hidden archaeological evidence, suggesting that similar large-scale settlements may yet be discovered in other under-explored regions. The existence of a civilization supporting millions implies sophisticated agricultural and resource management systems, raising questions about their long-term sustainability and eventual decline. Understanding the factors that led to the rise and fall of such a large society could offer valuable insights into the challenges of managing large populations and complex infrastructure in ecologically sensitive environments, particularly relevant in the context of current global population growth and environmental pressures.
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