The Nazca Lines, located in southern Peru, are a significant archaeological mystery, characterized by shallow markings that transform into intricate designs such as trapezoids, spirals, and stylized animals when viewed from the air. These geoglyphs, created between 200 B.C. and 700 A.D. by a civilization predating the Inca, were first recognized in the mid-1920s and have since captivated researchers.
Recent research led by Masato Sakai, an archaeologist at Yamagata University, has revealed 303 new geoglyphs, nearly doubling the previously mapped figures. This study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized artificial intelligence and drones to survey approximately 243 square miles of the pampa.
The new geoglyphs, averaging 30 feet across, could have been identified in earlier surveys if pilots had known where to look. The vastness of the pampa, however, made manual detection nearly impossible, necessitating the use of automation. The AI technology filtered through extensive imagery, identifying 47,410 potential sites, which were then narrowed down to 1,309 candidates for further examination.
Fieldwork conducted by the research team confirmed 303 geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects including plants, animals, and human figures. The Nazca people created these designs by removing the top layer of pebbles to reveal the lighter subsoil beneath. Despite the absence of written records from this civilization, they left behind pottery and an advanced irrigation system.
The purpose of the geoglyphs has been subject to various interpretations, ranging from religious and astronomical to speculative theories involving extraterrestrial activity. Dr. Sakai suggests that the geoglyphs were located near pilgrimage routes to temples, indicating their role in community rituals and as planned public spaces.
Despite being a protected archaeological site, the Nazca Lines face threats from vandalism and environmental factors. Incidents of damage have occurred, including footprints left by Greenpeace activists and destruction by vehicles avoiding tolls. Dr. Sakai notes that geoglyphs in areas prone to flash floods are particularly at risk, complicating efforts to restore their original forms.
Estimates indicate that there may be at least another 500 undetected geoglyphs in the region, with ongoing research expected to yield further discoveries.