# Ancient Amazon population far larger than previously believed

A new survey of geoglyphs and earthworks in the Amazon rainforest reveals that the region's pre-Columbian population was much larger than previously estimated. The findings challenge long-held assumptions about the Amazon being a pristine wilderness untouched by human settlement. This suggests sophisticated societies actively shaped the landscape long before European contact.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02321-x) — 2026-07-29