Research conducted by a multidisciplinary team has uncovered evidence that Indigenous Peoples have thrived in the southwestern Amazon for over 1,000 years. The findings, published in *Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology*, illuminate the significant human impact on the Great Tectonic Lakes of Exaltación, located in the Beni department of Bolivia.
In September 2021, the expedition, organized by the Grupo de Trabajo para los Llanos de Moxos (GTLM), brought together experts from organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society and the University of Bonn. This collaborative effort aimed to explore one of the least-known regions of the Bolivian Amazon.
Unveiling a Human Landscape
The lakes Rogaguado and Ginebra serve as a living archive, revealing a deeply human landscape crafted over centuries. Beneath the grasslands and shallow waters lies a network of monumental earthworks, including raised fields and intricate canal systems. These structures are evidence of millennia of adaptation and interaction between humans and their environment.
The lakes are part of the Municipal Protected Area of Grandes Lagos Tectónicos de Exaltación and contribute to the Río Yata Ramsar wetland complex, recognized by UNESCO for its ecological and cultural significance. The research team employed survey techniques, excavation, and LiDAR mapping to document archaeological sites such as Paquío, Coquinal, Isla del Tesoro, and Jasschaja, each representing distinct phases of settlement history.
Radiocarbon dating indicates that these sites were occupied from approximately **600 to 1400 CE**. Findings from Paquío indicate an early phase of settlement around **600 CE**, followed by a more intensive occupation between **1000 and 1200 CE**. Evidence from this period includes shell middens, dense ceramic deposits, and a sophisticated network of canals linked to maize agriculture.
In contrast, Jasschaja, dated between **1300 and 1400 CE**, demonstrates broader landscape transformations and a greater diversity of cultivated plants, indicating a shift towards more intensive forest and crop management. The landscape features geometrically shaped reliefs that form a complex system of water control and agricultural enhancement, showcasing centuries of experimentation and adaptation.
Diet and Sustainability from the Past
Excavations revealed a remarkably diverse pre-Hispanic diet that highlights the resourcefulness of ancient societies in this dynamic wetland. Archaeological evidence indicates that communities relied on a mix of fishing, hunting, gathering, and cultivation. Dominant fish species identified include wolf fish, peacock bass, and South American lungfish, along with reptiles and mammals such as caimans, turtles, capybaras, and armadillos.
Botanical findings suggest the cultivation of maize, legumes, and various palm species, reflecting a diverse economy that was both adaptive and sustainable. The research highlights how these societies worked with the rhythms of nature, turning seasonal floods into opportunities for productive livelihoods.
The ongoing collaboration with the Cayubaba and Movima communities underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge into archaeological research. Representatives of the Cayubaba Indigenous Council played a crucial role in guiding the research, ensuring it aligned with community values and priorities.
The partnership exemplifies a commitment to preserving biocultural heritage, as modern scientists and Indigenous representatives work together to connect archaeological research with conservation efforts. The project emphasizes that the Llanos de Moxos represents not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a landscape shaped by a rich human history.
As the Amazon faces threats from deforestation, industrial agriculture, and climate change, the ancient practices uncovered in this region provide valuable lessons in sustainability. The findings challenge prevailing notions of development and highlight the importance of ecological diversity and resilience.
The legacy of the ancient peoples of the Llanos de Moxos urges modern society to reconsider its relationship with nature and recognize the wisdom embedded in these historical landscapes. Their monumental earthworks and living traditions illustrate that the secrets to a sustainable future may lie in understanding and respecting the environments that have supported human life for centuries.
This research not only contributes to our understanding of the past but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing responsibility to safeguard the cultural and ecological heritage of the Amazon. As the wetlands continue to play a vital role in carbon storage and biodiversity, it is imperative to honor the Indigenous peoples who have stewarded these lands through generations.
