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2 clusters · 2 sources · 9 days · First seen · Last updated

Archaeological and ecological discoveries in the Amazon

Overview

Archaeological research using LiDAR technology has uncovered evidence of extensive ancient earthworks in southwestern Amazonia, specifically within Brazil’s Acre and Amazonas states. The surveys identified hundreds of previously unknown structures, including geometric enclosures, ditches, embankments, and roads.

These findings suggest the existence of the Aquiry civilization, which researchers believe flourished between 600 BCE and 850 AD. Estimates indicate the cultural landscape may have supported a population of 1.25 to 3 million people at its peak, challenging previous understandings of pre-colonial population density in the region.

In addition to archaeological discoveries, studies utilizing artificial intelligence have highlighted the Amazon's ecological role in driving atmospheric moisture transport and influencing soil humidity across South America.

Entities

University of Helsinki · Brazil · Amazonia · Amazon rainforest · Martti Pärssinen

Timeline

  1. 14 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Amazon LiDAR survey reveals extensive ancient Aquiry earthworks

    LiDAR technology has revealed hundreds of previously unknown ancient earthworks in the southwestern Amazon, suggesting the Aquiry civilization supported up to 3 million people around AD 100–300.

  2. 23 days ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Amazon studies uncover ancient megastructures and climate‑regulating impact

    LIDAR scans reveal thousands of ancient Amazonian earthworks, while AI modelling shows the forest’s moisture‑regulating influence across South America, highlighting the region’s cultural and climatic importance

Sources

curiosmos.com · popularMechanics.com