I've been reading a bit about this story for a few days now, and find it fascinating. National Geographic is reporting that newly uncovered evidence suggests that a previously unknown ancient society once flourished in the Amazon Jungle, and it may have been spread out over a larger area than we have ever thought possible.
As most of you already know, heavy deforestation along the Amazon has cut back miles and miles of rainforest in recent years. With that heavy, green canopy cut back, satellites have been able to photograph areas of the jungle floor that have never been visible before, and what they've found is remarkable. in all, more than 200 unique geometric shapes have been spotted, such as circles, squares, and others. These shapes were built by ancient man living in the region, but their purpose is as of yet unknown. Many are as much as 12 meters across and 4 meters deep as well.
Even more surprising is the fact that these strange shapes are spread out over an area of more than 155 miles, which means the civilization responsible for them was far ranging. Scientists also believe that there may be as many ten times the number revealed so far that remain hidden beneath the jungle canopy.
When I read this story I couldn't help but think of the book The Lost City of Z, which I reviewed here. The book was about British explorer Percy Harrison Fawcett, who disappeared in the Amazon when he went looking for just this type of civilization, something that was dismissed out of hand both then, and until recently, now as well. It makes you wonder if these new structures are some how linked to Z. It's a really interesting story, and I hope we learn more about it.
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