Published on: February 05, 2026 | By Roberto Gomez

Using advanced LIDAR and AI-driven pattern recognition, archaeologists have discovered hundreds of interconnected urban centers hidden beneath the dense canopy of the Amazon rainforest. These 'Garden Cities' were home to millions of people and featured sophisticated irrigation systems and defensive earthworks.

This discovery completely changes our understanding of pre-Columbian history in the Americas. It shows that the Amazon was not a pristine wilderness but a highly managed landscape. The scale of these settlements rivaled those of ancient Greece or the Maya civilization.

The challenge now is to protect these sites from deforestation and looting. Many of these areas are located in remote regions threatened by illegal mining and logging. International efforts are underway to grant these sites 'World Heritage' status and use satellite monitoring to ensure their preservation...

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LIDAR scan showing the footprint of a hidden urban complex in the jungle.

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Reporting completed by World Mag Editorial Team.