Vocabulary

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

 

In the 1920s, archaeologist Toribio Xesspe became the first person to study strange lines scratched into a desert floor located about 200 miles [321.87 kilometers] southeast of Lima, Peru.

Some of these lines stretched for 30 miles [48 km]. However, because the lines are nearly impossible to see from ground level — they were only made known to the world as passenger planes started flying over them in the 1930s.

The lines are known as geoglyphs, or enormous drawings sketched on the surface of the Earth. But who made these images? What did they mean? And why were they created?

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The Origins of Peru’s Nazca Lines

Scientists believe that most of the lines were made by the Nazca people, who flourished in the region from around 1 CE to 700 CE.

The Nazca Lines were created by scraping weathered dark stones from the desert floor. Once removed, lighter stones underneath were revealed. The darker stones were then placed at the edges of the lines, forming a border. This darker border accentuated the lighter stones within.

Because the region receives so little rainfall — less than an inch [25mm] per year — the geoglyphs have been able to survive for centuries.

The geoglyphs include straight lines, geometric shapes, and images of plants and animals, some up to 1,200 feet [365 meters] long.

Designs of a hummingbird, spider, and monkey are clearly visible on the desert floor.

Theories Behind Their Creation

But why were these geoglyphs created?

The Nazca culture didn’t leave any written records explaining why they made the designs. Some scientists believe the lines were related to irrigation or water-related religious ceremonies that might have been performed in this dry, barren region.

Others theorize that the geoglyphs were part of a massive astronomical calendar, although in recent years, no connection between the lines and constellations has been found.

Another speculation is that the lines acted as guides along a pilgrimage or a religious journey that the Nazca people took to reach a sacred place.

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Modern Significance

Nevertheless, the Nazca Lines are significant to Peru’s history. In 1994, they were declared a World Heritage Site, and efforts were put in place to protect them.

In 2019, as a result of satellite imagery and artificial intelligence software, previously harder-to-see lines were discovered in the region.

Conclusion

Even though the true purpose behind the Nazca Lines remains a mystery, the task of creating these unusual designs continues to surprise those who study them.

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Questions

 

Machu Picchu. The Nasca geoplyghs are located in Egypt, and have been known to scientists for thousands of years. Is this correct or incorrect?

Sacsayhuaman. Are the Nasca Lines recent works of art? Did the Nasca people paint the lines on the ground, using paint?

Puma Punku, Bolivia. What do the Nasca lines depict? Are they small in dimensions?

Tiwanaku, Bolivia. The Nasca civilization left written accounts. Is this right or wrong? Are the lines in the middle of dense forests (jungles)?

Stone Spheres of Costa Rica. Scientists are certain why the Nasca Lines and geoglyths were made. True or false? Why might the Nasca Lines been created?

Pyramid of the Sun and Moon.Are the Nasca Lines a secret, known only to locals in Peru?

Chichen Itza. Have all the Nasca Lines and geoglyths been discovered?
 
 
 
Tikal, Guatemala. I have visited the Nasca Line. I know about the Nasca Lines. Yes or no?

Coral Castle, Florida. Why do you think the Nasca Lines were made?

Mesa Verde. How might they have been made?

Pyramids of Giza. Are there mysterious objects in your region or country? Have you visited any megaliths or mysterious places?

Baalbek, Lebanon. Would you and your friends like to visit wonders or mysterious places?

Moais of Easter Island. What might happen in the future?

Ellora and Ajanta Caves, India. What could or should people, governments, businesses do?