Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, unearthing a series of long-lost cities that once thrived with a population of over 10,000 inhabitants some 2,000 years ago. Situated near the Andes, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, these ancient settlements have remained hidden for centuries, until now.

Thanks to cutting-edge LIDAR technology, researchers were able to unveil a sophisticated network of interconnected cities, housing the Upano people between 500 BC and 600 AD. The cities were intricately designed, encompassing vast agricultural fields and elaborate drainage systems that reflect a highly organized society far ahead of its time.

The discovery revealed that the cities were linked by expansive roads, some reaching up to 10 meters wide and spanning over 20 kilometers in length. These roadways interconnected the settlements, forming what experts have described as a “lost valley of cities.” This intricate urban planning showcases the advanced infrastructure and societal complexity of the Upano people, challenging previous beliefs about the sophistication of ancient Amazonian cultures.

The existence of these densely populated cities sheds new light on the pre-Columbian civilizations of the Amazon, indicating that the region was home to thriving societies well before the arrival of European colonizers. This groundbreaking find is reshaping our understanding of the rich history and cultural evolution of the Amazon rainforest, revealing a hidden chapter of ancient civilizations that once flourished amidst the lush greenery of this enigmatic region.