Breakthrough Discovery of an Ancient Amazonian Megacity Upends Previous Theories on Amazonian Ancestry

In what is poised to substantially rewrite the historical understanding of Amazonian ancestry, a pioneering discovery has unveiled the remnants of a massive ancient city within Ecuador's portion of the Amazon jungle. The research conducted in the Upano area of eastern Ecuador has revealed physical elements that challenge longstanding beliefs about the sociocultural dynamics of the region's ancient inhabitants.

Led by Prof Stephen Rostain, a team of archaeologists from France's National Centre for Scientific Research, has shed light on an intricate grid of domiciles, ceremonial platforms, and an elaborate network of paths, roads, and canals. This intricacy dispels myths of the Amazonian past being solely composed of nomadic or small, simple settlements.

With its roots stretching back around 2,500 years ago and suggesting habitation for as long as 1,000 years, this city accommodated tens of thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of people. The technological game-changer in this mammoth discovery was the deployment of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This sophisticated imaging system, operated from aircraft, can penetrate dense vegetation and reveal structures hidden underneath.

The city's layout, characterized by 6,000 structured rectangular platforms—possibly homes and ceremonial areas—organized around central plazas, dispels the image of a primitive society. The site also yielded long swaths of walkways, including a 25km (16 miles) expanse, signifying advanced planning. Moreover, canals, evidence of advanced water management, fortified the impression of an advanced ancient society.

Archaeological efforts unearthed more than just static structures; personal artifacts like pots and grinding stones revealed insights into the diets and daily life of these ancient people, who cultivated maize and sweet potatoes and imbibed a primitive form of beer known as "chicha."

The discovery in the shadow of a volcano, which likely both fertilized the local terrain with rich soils and played a part in the society's collapse, posits the civilization was neither insular nor mortal. It exemplifies a significant segment of Amazonian history, enveloped within the forest's embrace and awaiting such a reveal to establish its place in the human narrative.

This story is not only about the physical infrastructure but also touches on the resilience and determination of modern-day scientists like Prof Rostain who, against the skeptical currents of contemporary academia, persisted in revealing this grand tableau of human ingenuity.

The next endeavor for the research team is to explore a subsequent 300 sq km area alongside the current site, to further unravel the mysteries and extend the narrative of this colossal discovery.