AI Discovers Over 300 New Nazca Geoglyphs in Peru

Researchers have recently used artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover over 300 new geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert of southern Peru. Known as the Nazca Lines, these massive artworks date back more than 2,000 years to the pre-Incan Nazca civilization. This discovery, led by Masato Sakai from Yamagata University in Japan, nearly doubles the number of known geoglyphs, further enhancing the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Nazca Lines have fascinated scientists and travelers since their rediscovery in the 1920s. Some figures stretch over 1,200 feet and include various depictions of animals, plants, and human-like shapes. The newly discovered geoglyphs are smaller and less distinct, having remained hidden in the vast desert for centuries.

The research team analyzed satellite images using advanced AI, which helped identify faint outlines that had been overlooked before. Sakai noted that the AI model sped up the process significantly, enabling researchers to locate these designs “20 times faster” than traditional methods.

In just six months, the AI-assisted study found 303 new geoglyphs, adding to the 430 already known. The new figures include human-like beings, decapitated heads, and various animals, including a 72-foot-long orca holding a knife. Sakai mentioned that some ancient pottery shows orcas involved in ritual sacrifices, highlighting the cultural importance of these new finds.

The geoglyphs fall into two main types: line-type and relief-type. Line-type geoglyphs are larger and depict animals, often aligned with pilgrimage routes, suggesting they were important for ceremonial practices. Researchers believe these figures played a key role in rituals related to the Cahuachi Temple, a major ceremonial center for the Nazca people.

Relief-type geoglyphs, on the other hand, are smaller and more intricate, often representing human figures or domestic animals. Located near footpaths, they may have served to communicate information about human activities to travelers. The researchers suggest that observing these geoglyphs from trails likely helped share details about local happenings.

This recent discovery has reignited debate about the purpose of the Nazca Lines. While some researchers believe they had spiritual or astronomical significance, others consider connections to agriculture. According to UNESCO, the geoglyphs represent “a remarkable manifestation of a common religion and social homogeneity” in Nazca culture.

As AI technology continues to advance, researchers have identified hundreds more potential geoglyphs yet to be examined, estimating that around 250 additional geoglyphs could still be hidden in the Nazca Desert. Sakai and his team aim to create a complete map of these ancient artworks, deepening our understanding of this captivating cultural legacy.

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