The current extraordinary drought near the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers, where the majestic Amazon River originates, has yielded intriguing archaeological discoveries. Rock carvings, once submerged, have now come to light, revealing ancient records of a pre-colonial civilization. These inscriptions date back 2,000 to 1,000 years, silent witnesses to a distant era.

The Mysteries in the Rocks

The drawings, predominantly depicting human faces, vary in shape, with some features more angular and others more rounded. Some figures seem to evoke the image of entire families. In addition to human representations, ancient artists also immortalized animals and water, essential to life in the Amazon.

Lithic Workshops

Another archaeological treasure that has emerged is the lithic workshops, places where arrows and spears were skillfully crafted and sharpened. The presence of these facilities reveals the technical skill and sophisticated technology of the time, leaving tangible traces of a complex society that inhabited this region millennia ago.

The Incidence of Drought

Drought is ravaging the northern region of Brazil, bringing devastating consequences such as animal deaths, hunger and water shortages. The historic low in the level of the Negro River, reaching 12.89 meters, contrasts with the record of 30 meters in previous years, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

El Niño Impacts and Emergency Intervention

The drought is driven by the El Niño phenomenon, which, intensified by global warming, causes global climate imbalances. In Brazil, this translates into abundant rainfall in the South and Southeast, while the North and Northeast face drought. The government, in collaboration with the Navy and Army, is taking emergency action to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.

The unprecedented drought in the Amazon, despite the challenges it poses to the region, also presents us with glimpses of a rich ancient history. Newly revealed rock carvings and stone workshops offer a portal to a forgotten era, when ancient civilizations left their indelible mark on the landscape. It is imperative that we preserve and study these precious relics to fully understand the past that preceded us.