TAG: GS 1: ANCIENT HISTORY, GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: In a groundbreaking archaeological revelation, researchers have utilized LIDAR technology to unveil a hidden network of ancient civilizations in the Amazon rainforest.
EXPLANATION:
- Contrary to previous beliefs that the dense vegetation and challenging landscape limited large-scale human settlements in the region, a 2,500-year-old city complex named Sangay has been discovered in eastern Ecuador’s Upano Valley.
- This discovery challenges preconceptions and sheds light on the sophisticated urban societies that once thrived in the heart of the Amazon.
LIDAR Technology Unveils Lost History: A Game-Changing Discovery
- Context of Lost Amazonian History:
- The Amazon, renowned for its biodiversity, was traditionally perceived as devoid of large ancient civilizations.
- However, LIDAR technology has emerged as a game-changer.
- It allowed researchers to peer through the thick jungle canopy and uncover the hidden historical treasures beneath.
- Discovery of Sangay:
- Covering 115 square miles with LIDAR, scientists from the French National Center for Scientific Research identified the ruins of Sangay, an ancient city nestled in the Upano Valley.
- This settlement, rivaling the complexity of civilizations in Mexico and Central America, challenges previous notions of the Amazon’s historical landscape.
Ancient Civilization of Sangay: Flourishing Urban Society
- Population and Duration:
- Sangay flourished from approximately 500 BCE to a period between 300 and 600 CE.
- During its zenith, the city’s population is estimated to have ranged from 10,000 to a staggering 100,000 inhabitants.
- Infrastructure Highlights:
- LIDAR scans revealed a meticulously planned urban layout featuring platforms, plazas, arranged streets, and drainages.
- Notably, a sophisticated road system extending nearly 6 miles was uncovered, showcasing construction expertise comparable to ancient Maya urban networks.
- Agricultural Practices:
- Beyond infrastructure, LIDAR detected traces of drained fields indicating advanced agricultural practices.
- The ancient society likely cultivated maize, beans, sweet potatoes, and cassava, providing insights into their diet and sustenance.
Challenging Preconceptions: Revising Our Understanding of Amazonian Cultures
- Cultural Complexity:
- The discovery challenges common stereotypes, as study co-author notes that this goes beyond the perception of small, primitive groups in the Amazon.
- Instead, it reveals evidence of intricate urban societies that existed in this lush environment.
- Environmental and Cultural Heritage:
- The paper emphasizes the underestimation of Amazonia’s twofold heritage—environmental and cultural, particularly Indigenous.
- This finding calls for a thorough revision of preconceptions about the Amazonian world, urging a recognition of its rich cultural history.
Future Exploration and Implications: Unveiling the Unknown
- Ongoing Exploration:
- While the discovery of Sangay provides a glimpse into Amazonian history, much remains unexplored.
- With approximately 90% of Amazonian history yet to be uncovered, future expeditions hold the promise of revealing more about these ancient civilizations.
- Technological Advancements:
- The use of advanced technologies like LIDAR demonstrates the potential to unravel hidden histories globally.
- As researchers continue to employ innovative methods, our understanding of ancient cultures and their impact on diverse ecosystems is likely to evolve.
LIDAR Technology:
- LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth.
- These light pulses—combined with other data recorded by the airborne system — generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface characteristics.
- There are three primary components of a LiDAR instrument — the scanner, laser and GPS receiver.
- Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring lidar data over broad areas.
Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in Amazonian Archaeology
- The revelation of Sangay and its intricate urban society marks a paradigm shift in Amazonian archaeology.
- Beyond being a scientific milestone, this discovery prompts a reevaluation of assumptions about the Amazon’s historical capacity for large civilizations.
- As technology continues to unveil the mysteries of the past, the Sangay complex stands as a testament to the richness and complexity of Amazonian cultures that have long been overlooked.
SOURCE: https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a46458939/lost-city-amazon-discovered/
Spread the Word