Rediscovery of Ancient Amazonian Civilization in Bolivia

In September 2021, a specialized team journeyed to the Great Tectonic Lakes of Exaltacion in Bolivia's Beni department, an area historically underexplored. This expedition, organized by the Grupo de Trabajo para los Llanos de Moxos, involved experts from various institutions, including the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Bonn.

Their findings reveal a landscape transformed by human ingenuity, with extensive earthworks, raised agricultural fields, and interconnected canals lying beneath the grasslands and shallow waters. These lakes form part of the Municipal Protected Area of Grandes Lagos Tectonicos de Exaltacion and are recognized by UNESCO for their ecological and cultural significance.

Ethnohistorical accounts have long linked this region to the mythical 'Land of Paititi', yet only recently has evidence of its human past emerged more clearly. The research team utilized surveys, excavations, and LiDAR imaging to map multiple archaeological sites, such as Paquio, Coquinal, Isla del Tesoro, and Jasschaja, documenting a sequence of human activity dating from approximately 600 to 1400 CE.

Findings from Paquio suggest early settlement began around 600 CE, with a more intensive phase of occupation occurring from 1000 to 1200 CE. Notably, this later phase included the construction of shell middens, ceramic refuse, and a sophisticated system of canals and raised fields associated with maize farming.

Jasschaja, dating from 1300 to 1400 CE, indicated broader landscape alterations and increased botanical diversity, signifying intensified forest and crop management practices during its occupation. The terrain of the Llanos de Moxos is characterized by geometric forms, including circular ditches, drainage channels, and raised planting platforms, all designed to manage water and support agriculture.

These structures were created to regulate seasonal flooding and establish stable living and farming areas in a dynamic wetland ecosystem. The diversity of these features illustrates the cultural richness and resilience of the communities that built them.

Excavations revealed a varied pre-Hispanic diet reliant on local wetland resources, including fish, reptiles, and diverse plants, suggesting a balanced subsistence strategy combining fishing, hunting, and agriculture.

The ongoing presence of the Cayubaba and Movima communities highlights the deep connection between biodiversity and cultural heritage in this landscape. Their traditional ecological knowledge plays a crucial role in sustaining the unique biocultural heritage that has emerged over generations.

Collaborative efforts between Indigenous leaders and researchers aim to link archaeological findings with conservation initiatives, emphasizing the significance of the Llanos de Moxos as a site of historical and ecological importance.

As modern pressures like deforestation and climate change challenge the Amazon, the lessons from these ancient practices underscore the value of sustainable land use. The archaeological evidence illustrates that past communities thrived through adaptive strategies that worked harmoniously with the environment.

Though raised-field agriculture eventually declined, likely due to population changes following European colonization, the effectiveness of these systems remains evident. Protecting this biocultural heritage is now a global responsibility, as the wetlands continue to offer vital ecosystem services, including carbon storage and biodiversity support.

The research emphasizes that archaeology is not merely a study of the past but a way to reconnect ancient wisdom with contemporary discussions about sustainability and environmental justice, affirming the interconnectedness of people and nature in the Amazon.