Mysterious Nazca Glyphs Have Just Been Revealed
Recent discoveries in the Nazca Pampa revealed 303 new glyphs, nearly doubling the total. These findings, made using drones and AI, suggest a ceremonial purpose related to pilgrimages.
Read original article
Recent discoveries in the Nazca Pampa of southern Peru have revealed 303 new glyphs, nearly doubling the previously known total of 430. This significant find was made possible through the use of drones and artificial intelligence, led by archaeologist Masato Sakai from Yamagata University. The newly identified glyphs include various designs such as birds, animals, and humanoid figures, with some particularly notable for depicting orcas with knives. The research suggests that these geoglyphs were likely created as part of a pilgrimage to Cahuachi, a ceremonial center of the Nazca culture. The glyphs, carved between 500 BCE and 500 CE, have become increasingly difficult to detect due to weathering and the vastness of the Nazca Pampa, which spans 400 square kilometers. The AI developed in collaboration with IBM has proven effective in identifying previously overlooked glyphs, with over half of the new discoveries attributed to this technology. The relief-type glyphs, which are smaller and more intricate, primarily depict humans and domesticated animals, while the larger line-type glyphs represent wild animals. The arrangement of these glyphs may provide insights into their ceremonial significance and the social information they conveyed. The findings are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and further research aims to decode the meanings embedded within these ancient symbols.
- 303 new Nazca glyphs discovered, nearly doubling the known total.
- Discoveries made using drones and AI technology.
- Glyphs likely served a ceremonial purpose related to pilgrimages.
- Relief-type glyphs depict humans and domesticated animals; line-type glyphs depict wild animals.
- Ongoing research aims to decipher the meanings of the glyphs.
Related
Oldest cave art found showing humans and pig
Australian and Indonesian scientists unearthed the world's oldest figurative cave art in Indonesia, dating back 51,200 years. This finding challenges human evolution timelines, emphasizing narrative storytelling's early cultural significance.
Temple and theater 3,500 years older than Machu Picchu discovered in Peru
Archaeologists unearth a 4,000-year-old temple and theater in Peru, revealing early religious practices predating Machu Picchu. The site showcases mud walls, a stage-like platform, and mythological carvings, shedding light on ancient Peruvian societies.
New Seamount and Previously Unknown Species Discovered
The Schmidt Ocean Institute discovered a new seamount in the Nazca Ridge, documenting over 20 potential new species and emphasizing the need for marine protection and conservation efforts in the Southeastern Pacific.
Giant sloth bone pendants suggest humans were in Americas earlier than thought
Archaeologists in Brazil discovered three pendants made from giant sloth bones, dating 25,000 to 27,000 years old, suggesting earlier human habitation in the Americas than previously believed.
Cold war spy satellites and AI detect ancient underground aqueducts
Archaeologists are using artificial intelligence and Cold War satellite imagery to locate ancient qanats, vital underground aqueducts from North Africa and the Middle East, enhancing understanding of historical water management.
2 commentsJust some of the glyphs? Then what about the rest? Someone(s) put in a lot of time and effort, and other-than-some wouldn't have been seen?
Related
Oldest cave art found showing humans and pig
Australian and Indonesian scientists unearthed the world's oldest figurative cave art in Indonesia, dating back 51,200 years. This finding challenges human evolution timelines, emphasizing narrative storytelling's early cultural significance.
Temple and theater 3,500 years older than Machu Picchu discovered in Peru
Archaeologists unearth a 4,000-year-old temple and theater in Peru, revealing early religious practices predating Machu Picchu. The site showcases mud walls, a stage-like platform, and mythological carvings, shedding light on ancient Peruvian societies.
New Seamount and Previously Unknown Species Discovered
The Schmidt Ocean Institute discovered a new seamount in the Nazca Ridge, documenting over 20 potential new species and emphasizing the need for marine protection and conservation efforts in the Southeastern Pacific.
Giant sloth bone pendants suggest humans were in Americas earlier than thought
Archaeologists in Brazil discovered three pendants made from giant sloth bones, dating 25,000 to 27,000 years old, suggesting earlier human habitation in the Americas than previously believed.
Cold war spy satellites and AI detect ancient underground aqueducts
Archaeologists are using artificial intelligence and Cold War satellite imagery to locate ancient qanats, vital underground aqueducts from North Africa and the Middle East, enhancing understanding of historical water management.