Top Highlights
- Archaeologists using laser scanning uncovered nearly 400 new ancient earthworks of the Aquiry civilization in the Amazon, indicating a complex society that once spanned up to 3 million people around 100-300 AD.
- The Aquiry built geometric geoglyphs, ceremonial centers, and longhouses in the rainforest, likely serving social, political, and spiritual functions rooted in shared worldview and indigenous traditions.
- Estimated over 20,000 earthworks remain undiscovered, with some suggesting the total civilization population implies a highly advanced and widespread culture prior to its mysterious collapse around 850-950 AD.
- The discovery challenges previous notions of the Amazon as sparsely populated, drawing parallels with other geoglyph cultures like Peru’s Nazca but noting distinct regional differences and unexplained societal decline.
New Discoveries from the Amazon’s Canopy
Using advanced laser technology, scientists have uncovered hundreds of ancient earthworks hidden beneath the lush Amazon rainforest. These geoglyphs, or large geometric earth shapes, date back over 2,000 years. Because the dense jungle makes traditional archaeology difficult, lidar scanning has been a game-changer. It allows researchers to “see” beneath the trees without disturbing the environment. This discovery provides fresh insights into a complex civilization that thrived long before European contact.
The Enigmatic Aquiry Civilization
The ancient society, called Aquiry, may have had up to 3 million people at its peak. They built the earthworks for various purposes, including ceremonies, community gatherings, and political events. These structures also served as symbols of shared beliefs and social unity. The civilization’s extensive network of geoglyphs suggests a highly organized society. Most of these earthworks date from 600 B.C. to A.D. 850, highlighting a rich history well before European influence reached the region.
Implications and Future Insights
While scientists have identified around 1,700 geoglyphs so far, they believe thousands more remain undiscovered. The ability to locate these earthworks digitally means future research can expand rapidly. This also challenges previous ideas that the Amazon was sparsely populated before colonial times. Understanding the rise and fall of the Aquiry helps us appreciate the resilience and complexity of early South American cultures. Notably, it offers lessons about urban development, societal organization, and the importance of preserving such invaluable archaeological sites.
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