Ancient City Discovered

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient city hidden beneath a dense tropical forest.

考古学家发现了一座隐藏在茂密热带森林之下的古城遗迹。

The site was identified using laser scanning equipment mounted on small aircraft.

这处遗址是借助安装在小型飞机上的激光扫描设备确定的。

The scans revealed roads, houses and large public buildings covering several square kilometers.

扫描显示，这里有道路、房屋和大型公共建筑，覆盖面积达数平方公里。

Researchers estimate that the city may once have been home to tens of thousands of people.

研究人员估计，这座城市曾经可能居住着数万人。

The discovery challenges earlier beliefs that the region was only lightly populated.

这一发现挑战了此前认为该地区人烟稀少的看法。

Excavation work is expected to begin next year, once the necessary permits are granted.

预计在获得必要的许可后，发掘工作将于明年开始。