Archaeologists have uncovered a long-lost colonial settlement in the Amazon, dating back to the 18th century. This discovery is part of a large-scale initiative aimed at identifying archaeological sites in the Amazon region using advanced technologies and the expertise of local researchers, writes Heritage Daily.
Eduardo Neves, the director of the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography at the University of São Paulo, shared insights about the discovery in Manaus. He explained that the street system of the forgotten settlement was revealed through LiDAR technology. The scholar noted that the settlement was abandoned after centuries of Portuguese colonial rule.
LiDAR technology, which measures distance by sending laser pulses to the ground, enabled researchers to create a digital map of the hidden landscape. This technology played a crucial role in identifying not just the settlement, but also other remarkable features of the region.
Neves pointed out that this discovery adds significant value to the history of colonial Portuguese Amazon, which thrived from the 17th century until Brazil gained independence in the early 19th century.
In addition to the colonial settlement, archaeologists reported two more findings in the state of Rondônia. The first is a stone structure marked by geometric shapes, including roads and figures resembling squares and circles.
The second is a mesh-like structure, the purpose of which remains uncertain. While the exact function of these formations is yet to be determined, Neves noted similarities to similar findings in neighboring Bolivia.
We also reported on an ancient settlement excavated by Croatian archaeologists. Researchers discovered artifacts from various periods, ranging from antiquity to the Middle Ages.