Hidden networks of ancient earthworks suggest vast human influence on the Amazon

History · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Researchers using LIDAR technology to peer beneath the dense Amazonian forest canopy discovered 24 previously unknown pre-Columbian earthworks. By modeling the distribution of these sites, the team estimated that between 10,272 and 23,648 more large-scale archaeological sites remain hidden across the basin, with the highest concentration likely located in the southwest.

These findings suggest that ancient indigenous societies actively managed the landscape for thousands of years. The study identified 53 domesticated tree species that appear in high frequency near these earthworks, indicating intentional forest modification. This research helps clarify the scale of human impact on the region's biodiversity.

The study relied on LIDAR data to identify structures and used distribution modeling to estimate the remaining sites. However, the study is based on modeling and remote sensing, meaning the exact number of sites remains an estimate until they are physically surveyed.

Why it matters: The Amazon was likely shaped by vast, complex human networks that are still largely hidden from view.

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