Scientists working in Ecuador have discovered a huge collection of ancient cities which have been hidden in the Amazon for thousands of years.
The settlements in the Upano area in eastern Ecuador have been obscured for centuries by lush vegetation creeping across the roads and houses situated in the shadow of a volcano.
Using both ground excavations and laser sensors flown on a plane, which worked to identify the remains of the city hidden beneath the vegetation, scientists were able to uncover houses and plazas which made up settlements connected by an impressive network of roads and canals.
Researchers first found evidence of a city in the 1970s, but these findings mark the first time a comprehensive survey has been completed.
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The infrastructure is believed to have been built around 2,500 years ago, with 10,000s, if not 100,000s, of residents living there for up to 1,000 years.
Though scientists already knew of the existence of cities in the highlands of South America, it was previously believed residents lived nomadically, or grouped only in tiny settlements.
Antoine Dorison, co-author of the study, said the finding 'changes the way we see Amazonian cultures'.
"Most people picture small groups, probably naked, living in huts and clearing land - this shows ancient people lived in complicated urban societies," he said.
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In the survey, scientists found 6,000 rectangular platforms which measured about 66 ft by 33 ft, and 6.5-9.8 feet high.
The platforms were arranged in groups of three or up to six units, which were located around a plaza with a central platform.
Many of these structures are thought to have been homes, but others are believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
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It's the roads that have proved to be the most striking part of discovery, though, as Dorison explained: "The road network is very sophisticated. It extends over a vast distance, everything is connected. And there are right angles, which is very impressive."
Dorison believes some of the roads had a 'very powerful meaning', potentially linked to ceremony or some sort of belief.
Prof Stephen Rostain, leader of the research and director of investigation at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, said of the site: "This is older than any other site we know in the Amazon. We have a Eurocentric view of civilisation, but this shows we have to change our idea about what is culture and civilisation."
Rostain, who had previously been warned that there did not appear to have been any ancient groups living in the Amazon, said he was 'quite happy to have made such a big discovery'.
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Following the survey, the researchers plan to turn their attention to an adjoining 300 sq km (116 sq mile) area, which has not yet been surveyed.
Topics: Science, Environment, World News