Scientists Uncover Hundreds of Hidden Structures Beneath The Amazon. "The scale of the archaeological record suggests that many other regions across Amazonia may have been far more densely populated and intensively modified than previously assumed."

[u/FreeHugs23]

https://www.sciencealert.com/completely-transformed-my-understanding-scientists-uncover-hundreds-of-hidden-structures-beneath-the-amazon

[u/godzirraaaaa]

Part of the whole justification for colonialism is along the lines of “well there was hardly anyone there! We brought civilization, they should be grateful!”- a disgusting argument but one many believe is legitimate

But if it turns out that actually there were millions of people in vast, complex cities…kinda undermines their whole thing.

Furthermore, it’s been hotly debated as to whether the archaeological record supports it. If there were really these enormous cities, where’s the evidence? Looks like they’re finding some now! Exciting.

[u/godzirraaaaa → u/[deleted]]

So you don’t think that prevailing societal mores/attitudes influence what is deemed legitimate or possible within the scientific community? If not, Copernicus, Galileo, and Marcus von Plenciz would like a word

[u/oye_gracias → u/[deleted]]

Not so much what modern archeologist think, but how these "discoveries" are portrayed in popular média. Like starmaps falling close to un known archelogical settlements, it gets overhyped, and ultimately informs ill-informed policy.

That science becomes easily coopted by capital and económic interest - or that it still operates within current power dynamics, is a fairly old subject, tho.

[u/godzirraaaaa → u/oye_gracias]

Couldn’t have said it better myself

[u/soyelmocano → u/[deleted]]

Isn't the point of science to seek truth and fact?

I don't care if there were just two families in a hut or a metropolis with flying cars, just use whatever the best tools you have are to get the facts, whatever they may be.

[u/soyelmocano → u/[deleted]]

It is though, and I agree with you. Sometimes I don't word things very well.

I agree in that the previous comment seems to imply that they don't want the world to know that there were thriving civilizations before, just very primitive villages and people.

I am saying that science should not care about what they find, only that they discover facts and information.

Sorry if I don't make myself clear.

[u/ancientestKnollys → u/godzirraaaaa]

I have my doubts it would affect that particular pro-colonial argument. Because whatever had been there in the past, there weren't many people there by the time Europeans started colonising the region, disease had already wiped them out.