# Amazon lost civilization may have had 3 million people

New evidence suggests a previously unknown civilization in the Amazon rainforest may have supported up to 3 million people. Researchers used satellite imagery and field surveys to uncover extensive settlements, roads, and earthworks. The finding challenges the long-held view that the region was sparsely populated before European contact.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Science
- [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2582152-lost-civilisation-in-the-amazon-may-have-numbered-3-million-people/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS) — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-02367-x) — 2026-07-29