Lost beneath the leaves: Lasers reveal an ancient Amazonian civilisation

nature video4 minutes read

Archaeologists in the Amazon Basin uncovered evidence of an ancient civilization using lidar technology, revealing massive structures hidden beneath dense vegetation, challenging assumptions about the area's archaeological significance. The use of lidar technology exposed a vast network of settlements, showcasing a complex society with social hierarchies and indicating a previously unknown level of civilization in the region.

Insights

  • Lidar technology revealed hidden ancient civilization structures like pyramids in the Amazon Basin, challenging assumptions and showcasing a complex, hierarchically structured society.
  • The discovery of numerous settlements, platforms, and canals through lidar in 2019 highlighted the Casarabe culture's sophistication, unveiling a previously unknown level of civilization in Bolivia's Amazon Basin.

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Recent questions

  • What technology revealed ancient structures in Bolivia?

    Lidar technology uncovered hidden pyramids in Bolivia.

  • How many new sites were discovered in Bolivia?

    Hundreds of new sites were discovered in Bolivia.

  • What structures were revealed by lidar technology?

    Rectangular platforms, pyramids, defensive banks, canals, and causeways were revealed.

  • What did the discoveries challenge about the region?

    Previous assumptions about the region's archaeological significance were challenged.

  • What did the lidar technology reveal about the Casarabe culture?

    Lidar technology shed light on the Casarabe culture.

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Summary

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Bolivia's Ancient Civilization Revealed by Lidar

  • In the Amazon Basin in Bolivia, archaeologists have uncovered evidence of an ancient civilization using lidar technology, revealing massive structures like 20-meter high pyramids hidden beneath dense vegetation.
  • The region was densely inhabited during prehispanic times, with hundreds of new sites discovered, challenging previous assumptions about the area's archaeological significance and showcasing a complex society with social hierarchies.
  • The use of lidar technology in 2019 exposed a vast network of settlements, including rectangular platforms, pyramids, defensive banks, canals, and causeways, shedding light on the Casarabe culture and indicating a previously unknown level of civilization in the region.
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