Archaeologists discover rock engravings up to 2,000 years old due to extreme drought in Brazil.

The Brazilian Amazon, known for its unparalleled biodiversity and cultural richness, has revealed an impressive archaeological finding as a result of the most severe drought in Brazil in 120 years. At the site of Ponta das Lajes, located near Manaus, ancient petroglyphs have been discovered, rock engravings dating back between 1,000 and 2,000 years. This discovery has captured the attention of archaeologists and researchers, who believe these remnants are an invaluable testimony to the indigenous communities that inhabited the region long before the arrival of European colonizers.

Archaeologist Jaime Oliveira from the Brazilian National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) has been leading this research project. According to Oliveira, the petroglyphs represent a form of communication and territorial symbolism of ancient indigenous civilizations that engaged in agriculture in an ecosystem that was once lush and diverse. The unveiled images include anthropomorphic faces and figures of animals, such as toads, suggesting a deep connection with the natural environment that these communities cultivated and respected.

This finding is significant not only from a historical and cultural perspective but also sheds light on the current situation of the Amazon, which is facing an unprecedented climate crisis. The intense drought that has brought the Río Negro to historically low levels has uncovered these engravings but has also caused devastating impacts on the environment and on the communities that depend on its resources. Several municipalities have implemented measures for drinking water rationing, reflecting the severity of the situation.

Oliveira has noted that this is not the first time the petroglyphs have been exposed. In fact, it is a phenomenon that has occurred once again due to the extreme climatic conditions that have become recurrent in the region. "The level of the Río Negro has been much lower than last year," the archaeologist warned, also highlighting that climate change is causing more frequent and intense droughts. This pattern of environmental instability not only endangers human life but also threatens biodiversity and archaeological heritage.

The petroglyphs are a cultural legacy that allows researchers to understand how ancient communities interacted with their environment. The analysis of ceramic and agricultural remains found in the same region has helped archaeologists date these engravings more accurately. The indigenous civilizations of the Amazon were sophisticated and possessed a deep knowledge of their surroundings, something that is evident in the iconography that is now coming to light.

Despite the significance of the finding, the situation in the Amazon is concerning. The drought has not only exposed these ancient remnants but has also facilitated the spread of wildfires, representing a double threat to the region's biodiversity. Local communities face an uncertain future amid a water crisis that affects both their daily livelihoods and their connection to the land.

The revelation of these petroglyphs serves as a reminder of the fragility of the Amazon and the urgent need to protect not only the natural environment but also the rich cultural heritage it holds. Forgetting this history could mean losing not only an archaeological legacy but also the opportunity to learn from the civilizations that have existed for millennia in harmony with their surroundings.

The intersection between the discovery of these engravings and the climate crisis facing the region raises critical questions about the future of the Amazon. Experts warn that without a change in the way we interact with the environment, these remnants, which have survived for centuries, could be lost again to oblivion. The history of indigenous communities and their cultural legacies is at stake, and the preservation of these petroglyphs becomes increasingly urgent.

Ultimately, the discovery of the petroglyphs in the context of extreme drought poses a dilemma about how to balance the conservation of indigenous culture with the urgent need to address climate change. The Amazon is not only the lungs of the planet but also a place that harbors a rich human history. The international community faces the responsibility of preserving this heritage, not only for the sake of future generations but also for the well-being of the communities that continue to inhabit these lands.