Dr. Daniel Pierce and Christopher Bodine archaeologists with the Center for Archeological Research at Missouri State University, are working on something that could be huge — lost civilization huge.  

They’ve identified clues to what may be hidden in the vines and canopy of the Amazon jungle.  

“We’ve found some large manmade features like geometric designs,” Pierce told 5 On Your Side news in St. Louis. “Evidence of a large-scale permanent settlement of a complex civilization that nobody knew was there.” 

Using LiDAR, the team has identified possible roads, buildings and trails.  

“LiDAR is a sensor that you attach to an airplane or a drone and it shoots laser pulses towards the surface of the earth,” explained Bodine.  

 If proven, the discovery could have a significant historical impact.  

In addition to the St. Louis television piece, the news has been covered locally by the Springfield Daily Citizen, KOLR 10, KSMU and KY3.

The two are currently fundraising for the trip through their website.