Nazca Lines
Massive geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert of Peru, created between 500 BCE and 500 CE, visible only from the air.
Documented record
Known Facts
The Nazca Lines are massive geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert of southern Peru.
They were created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE.
The lines include geometric shapes, straight lines, and animal figures.
The largest figures span over 1,200 feet and are only visible from the air.
The lines were created by removing reddish pebbles to reveal lighter soil beneath.
UNESCO designated the site a World Heritage Site in 1994.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Archaeological Survey
PHYSICALGround and aerial surveys documenting the geoglyphs.
SOURCE:Peruvian Ministry of Culture / UNESCO
Maria Reiche's Research
ANALYSISDecades of research documenting and interpreting the lines.
SOURCE:Maria Reiche / Peruvian government
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
Astronomical Calendar Theory
ANALYSISSome astronomical alignments have been proposed but are contested.
SOURCE:Archaeoastronomy research
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
What was the purpose of the Nazca Lines?
How did the Nazca people create such precise large-scale designs?
Why were the lines only visible from the air?
Were the lines related to water or religious rituals?
Chronological record
Timeline
Nazca Lines created by Nazca culture.
Lines first brought to scholarly attention.
Maria Reiche begins extensive research.
UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
Peruvian Ministry of Culture appear in both.
Both involve activities during the 1990s period.
Both involve activities during the 1940s period.