The Nazca-Lines are a series of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert of southern Peru. These lines, which were created by the Nazca Culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, are one of the most enigmatic wonders of the world, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
History and Creation
The Nazca-Lines were made by removing the top layer of reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles to reveal a yellow-grey subsoil beneath, creating various shapes and lines. The precise techniques used by the Nazca People are still a subject of study, but it's believed that they used simple tools and surveying techniques to create these vast drawings.
Designs and Figures
- Geometric Shapes: Including lines, triangles, spirals, and trapezoids, which can stretch for several kilometers.
- Zoomorphic Figures: Representations of animals like monkeys, spiders, hummingbirds, and fish. These figures are particularly notable for their size, with some stretching up to 370 meters (1,200 feet) in length.
- Phytomorphic Figures: Plants or trees, which are less common but still part of the collection.
- Anthropomorphic Figures: Representations of humans or human-like figures, often depicted in various poses or activities.
Purpose and Theories
The purpose behind the Nazca-Lines remains one of archaeology's greatest mysteries:
- Astronomical Calendar: Some researchers propose that the lines served as an astronomical calendar to track the movements of celestial bodies.
- Irrigation System: Another theory suggests they were part of an elaborate system to manage water flow in the arid region.
- Ritualistic or Ceremonial: Many believe the lines were used in religious ceremonies or as pathways for the dead to reach the afterlife.
- Communication with Deities: They might have been created as messages or offerings to the gods.
Modern Discovery and Preservation
The Nazca-Lines were first noted by the Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejía Xesspe in 1927, but they gained international attention when Paul Kosok, an American historian, saw one of the lines aligned with the winter solstice in 1941, leading him to call them "Peru's largest astronomy book". Later, Maria Reiche, a German mathematician, dedicated much of her life to studying and preserving these lines, becoming known as the "Lady of the Lines".
Preservation is a significant concern due to:
- Human activities like tourism, agriculture, and urban expansion.
- Environmental factors such as wind erosion and climate change.
- Accidental damage from off-road vehicles.
External Links
Related Topics