LiDAR reveals 2,500-year-old network of cities in Ecuador's Upano Valley. LiDAR laser scanning was used in the Upano Valley, Ecuador, in the foothills of the Andes near the Sunay volcano, to peer through the rainforest canopy. Survey revealed more than 6,000 earthen platforms including homes, plazas, and ceremonial buildings. At least 15 settlements were identified: 5 large and 10 smaller, connected by wide, straight roads.

LiDAR scanning in Ecuador's Upano Valley peeled back the rainforest canopy to reveal a 2,500-year-old urban network: 6,000+ earthen platforms forming 15 settlements connected by straight roads cut through hills and ravines. Lead researcher Stéphen Rostain calls it "garden urbanism." Game-changing for Amazon prehistory!

Key Facts

  • LiDAR laser scanning was used in the Upano Valley, Ecuador, in the foothills of the Andes near the Sunay volcano, to peer through the rainforest canopy.
  • Survey revealed more than 6,000 earthen platforms including homes, plazas, and ceremonial buildings.
  • At least 15 settlements were identified: 5 large and 10 smaller, connected by wide, straight roads.
  • Some roads were dug 10–13 feet into the earth, with one extending at least 15 miles; roads were cut straight through ravines and high ground rather than routed around obstacles.
  • Findings were published in the journal Science.
  • Lead researcher was French archaeologist Stéphen Rostain, who had worked the valley on foot for nearly 30 years; co-researcher José Iriarte was also involved.
  • Settlements date to at least 2,500 years ago, more than 1,000 years older than any previously known complex society in the Amazon.
  • Rostain termed the settlement pattern "garden urbanism" and described it as a revolution in understanding Amazon prehistory.
  • Researchers estimate more than 90% of Amazon human history remains undiscovered.
  • The findings validate British explorer Percy Fawcett's 1925 search for a "Lost City of Z."

Related site: Upano Valley settlements — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: LiDAR Revealed Lost Cities Hidden in the Amazon by The Cosmic Summit