Ep 15. Lost Empire of the Amazon

In episode 15 of season 3 of What on Earth?, titled "Lost Empire of the Amazon," experts use satellite imagery to uncover a mysterious network of ancient roads and structures in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The episode begins with a startling discovery - a massive circular formation hidden in the jungle that seems to indicate the presence of an enormous lost city. As the team continues their investigation, they discover a series of other structures nearby, including a series of raised highways, massive mounds, and an intricate network of canals.

Using cutting-edge technology, the team is able to map out the entire complex, revealing a sprawling metropolis that would have rivaled the largest cities of Europe at the time. The sheer size of the site is astounding - it covers over 155 square miles, and would have supported a population of at least 40,000 people.

But who could have built such a monumental complex? The team delves deeper into the history of the Amazon basin, searching for clues in the region's rich cultural heritage. They discover that the site was likely built by a powerful civilization known as the Marajoara, who dominated the region from around 400 AD until the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. With their advanced knowledge of agriculture, engineering, and architecture, the Marajoara were able to create a thriving civilization in the heart of the world's largest rainforest.

But why did the Marajoara civilization come to an end? The team explores several theories, including climate change, foreign invasion, and disease, before settling on a surprising possibility - internal strife. Evidence suggests that the Marajoara may have turned on each other in a violent power struggle, leading to the collapse of their once-great civilization.

As the episode draws to a close, the team reflects on the incredible legacy of the Marajoara civilization, and the extraordinary achievements of ancient cultures around the world. Through the power of satellite imagery, they have been able to unlock an ancient mystery, shedding light on the history of one of the world's most enigmatic regions. "Lost Empire of the Amazon" is a fascinating exploration of the secrets hidden deep within our planet's past, and a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and creativity.