The Mysteries of Ancient Cities in the Amazon and Their Demise

For many years, historians and archaeologists have speculated about the existence of advanced cities in the Amazon basin during the 16th century. Claims from early explorers like Francisco de Orellana in 1541-2 have painted a picture of a populous Amazon with large settlements and extensive agricultural and fishing activities. However, the fate of these civilizations remains shrouded in mystery.

Disappearance of Ancient Cities

Exactly a hundred years later, these once-prosperous cities were almost entirely deserted. To this day, the fate of the people who once inhabited these cities and whether they are the ancestors of the current native tribes in the rainforest remains a subject of intense debate and speculation.

The rise and fall of advanced civilizations is not unique to the Amazon; similar scenarios occurred in other parts of the world. The Minoans, Trojans, Mesopotamians, and Hittites—once-powerful civilizations—are now mere memories. Likewise, the great pyramids, the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon are only remembered through ancient accounts and artifacts.

Explorations and Reports

Francisco de Orellana was one of the first Europeans to explore the Amazon in 1541-2. His reports described a significant population engaged in fishing and farming along the river's banks, with many large settlements. Similarly, early Spanish explorers from the southeastern part of North America reported encountering many people and large settlements. A generation or two later, however, other Spanish explorers noted that these settlements had largely been abandoned, with only the remains of ancient structures and a much smaller population.

Contemporary explanations for this sudden decline typically point to the devastating impact of European diseases brought by the first explorers. The survivors of these diseases are certainly believed to be the ancestors of today's indigenous peoples in the region. However, later contacts with European settlers and the subsequent activities like the bandeirantes in Brazil and the displacement of the Cherokee to Oklahoma further reduced the population.

Technology and Evidence

Prior to these explorations, it was believed that there were technologically advanced societies in the Amazon before Columbus. These societies may have been wiped out due to diseases brought by European explorers, much like the Maya civilization. Another theory suggests that these people simply disappeared or moved to other areas.

Some theories, like the work of explorers like Captain Fawcett and his followers, have been dismissed. It was long believed that the extensive tracts of "indian black soil" in the Amazon were of anthropogenic origin. However, later geological studies have debunked this notion, revealing that the soil is of natural origin and formed even in areas without human occupation. This was initially supported by a small portion of the soil showing human signals, but geologists could not replicate these findings in other areas.

The Legacy of Lost Civilizations

The legacy of these lost Amazonian civilizations continues to fascinate modern archaeologists and historians. The precise reasons for their decline and abandonment remain a topic of study. While European diseases played a significant role, other factors, including ecological changes and social upheaval, may also have contributed to the collapse of these advanced societies.

Through continued research and exploration, we may yet uncover more about the people who once thrived in the Amazon basin, their achievements, and the factors that led to their eventual disappearance. This exploration not only sheds light on the past but also offers valuable lessons for our understanding of human societies and the forces that shape them.