Amazonian earthwork survey indicates ancient population was much larger than thought
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TL;DR - Aerial laser scanning suggests that less than 3% of Greater Amazonia supported 1.25–3 million people and over 20,000 earthworks from AD 100–300. The findings challenge estimates of pre-colonial population density and imply lasting human influence on Amazonian ecosystems.
- The surveyed area represents under 3% of Greater Amazonia.
- Estimated population ranged from 1.25 million to 3 million.
- Researchers identified more than 20,000 human-made earthworks.
- The results could reshape understanding of present-day tropical soils and forests.
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Amazonian earthwork survey indicates ancient population was much larger than thought
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TL;DR - Aerial laser scanning suggests that less than 3% of Greater Amazonia supported 1.25–3 million people and over 20,000 earthworks from AD 100–300. The findings challenge estimates of pre-colonial population density and imply lasting human influence on Amazonian ecosystems.
- The surveyed area represents under 3% of Greater Amazonia.
- Estimated population ranged from 1.25 million to 3 million.
- Researchers identified more than 20,000 human-made earthworks.
- The results could reshape understanding of present-day tropical soils and forests.