Archaeologists have discovered a 2,500-year-old ancient city in the Amazon — the oldest Amazonian city to date. 6,000 mounds each measuring around 66 by 33 feet serve as evidence of the basis for ancient homes in the Upano area of eastern Ecuador, which were all connected by roads and canals. The homes and plazas were built by cutting into hills and placing platforms on top. The span of the city is larger than various Mayan societies in Mexico and Central America.

The civilization rested near a volcano, allowing its inhabitants to use rich soil, yet is predicted to be the cause of the city’s destruction. Scientists believe people lived in the city nomadically for 1,000 years; it is estimated that 10,000-100,000 people resided in the area. 

Researchers will continue to investigate the well-organized and interconnected city, with much left to be answered about the people and society. Described as  “…another civilisation like the Maya, but with completely different architecture, land use, ceramics,” by Jose Iriarte, an archaeology professor at the University of Exeter, this discovery changes the way scientists see Amazonian cultures due to its size and complexity.