LiDAR reveals million-person cities in Amazon interior. Ancient Amazon settlements have been found by farmers clearing land on the periphery LiDAR scanning has revealed huge archaeological sites in the Amazon interior The Kiriguyu site and a recently discovered Ecuador site with 2,000 structures have been documented
Mind-blowing discovery: LiDAR scanning has revealed massive Amazon cities with thousands of structures hidden beneath the jungle canopy. The Kiriguyu site and a recently discovered Ecuadorian site with 2,000 structures have been documented. Some estimates suggest Amazon cities may have housed up to 1 million people comparable to ancient Rome! Historical population estimates of 2 million need major revision.
Key Facts
- Ancient Amazon settlements have been found by farmers clearing land on the periphery
- LiDAR scanning has revealed huge archaeological sites in the Amazon interior
- The Kiriguyu site and a recently discovered Ecuador site with 2,000 structures have been documented
- Some Amazon cities may have housed up to 1 million people, comparable to ancient Rome
- Historical population estimates of 2 million for Amazon in 1541 need significant revision
- The area where the Japara River meets the Amazon is suggested as a prime location for finding lost cities
Source: 6 Questions about the Amazon that keep me up at night by Luke Caverns