Dear students,
Read this article about the famous mystery of the Nazca Lines. Afterwards, share your opinion in the blog.
- Do you agree with the scientists conclusions?
- Why do you think it’s important to solve historical mysteries like this one?
Study may have solved the mystery of the Nazca Lines
A study by archaeologists from Yamagata University, suggests a new theory that may have solved the mystery of the Nazca Lines.
The geoglyphs were made by excavating shallow trenches in the ground, and removing the reddish-brown, iron oxide-coated pebbles that cover the surface of the desert. This exposes the light-coloured clay and lime earth, contrasting against the surrounding land surface to reveal distinct patterns only visible from the air.
The first description of the Nazca Lines was by Pedro Cieza de León, in his Chronicle of Peru published in 1553, where he describes them as trail markers in the desert. It wasn’t until the 20th century that the scale of the geoglyphs would be revealed to the wider world, leading to the discovery of around 358 known geoglyphs to date.
In recent years, archaeologists from the Yamagata University have been conducting a field survey of the Nazca Lines using high-resolution aerial photography and drones.
The researchers are convinced that the Nazca lines were used as an ancient form of communication in the Nazca Desert.
The linear types were used to travel from one valley to another, while the relief types (that depict animals, birds and various figures), tend to be drawn on slopes alongside ancient pathways. Due to this, the researchers suggest that the figures marked the routes for communication between settlements.
The team from Yamagata University also recently discovered 168 geoglyphs that date from between 100 BC and AD 300. This adds to 190 geoglyphs discovered between 2004 and 2018, leading to the creation of an archaeological park in the Aja area in 2017 by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/01/study-solves-mystery-of-the-nazca-lines/145948#:~:text=The%20researchers%20are%20convinced%20that,on%20slopes%20alongside%20ancient%20pathways.
Do you agree with the scientists’ conclusions?
Yes, I agree with the scientists’ conclusions. The idea that the Nazca Lines served as an ancient form of communication between settlements makes sense, especially considering their strategic placement along pathways. The discovery of new geoglyphs further supports this theory, showing that the Nazca civilization had an organized way of marking routes and interacting with their environment.
Why do you think it’s important to solve historical mysteries like this one?
Solving historical mysteries like the Nazca Lines helps us understand ancient civilizations, their cultures, and how they adapted to their environments. It also provides insights into human creativity, engineering skills, and communication methods. Additionally, preserving and studying these historical sites allows us to protect our shared heritage and learn valuable lessons from the past.
Hi José Ignacio,
And I would add that solving past mysteries can help to solve new ones, right?
Thanks for your contribution to the blog.
1.- I believe that more evidence is needed before fully accepting this theory.
Previous research has suggested different explanations, such as religious or astronomical purposes. Some studies have linked the figures to water rituals, while others believe they could have been messages for the gods. Since we still don’t have written records from the Nazca people, it’s difficult to be completely sure about their true purpose.
I think the discovery of new geoglyphs is exciting because it expands our understanding of this ancient culture. If researchers find more proof that these lines were used for communication, then this could change the way we see the Nazca civilization. But for now, I think we need more studies to confirm this theory.
2.- I think that solving historical mysteries like the Nazca Lines is important because it keeps history alive and relevant. Many ancient cultures, including the Nazca, left behind structures, symbols, or artworks that we still don’t fully understand. By studying them, we can connect with the past and see how human creativity and intelligence have shaped different civilizations.
Also, in the case of the Nazca Lines, understanding their purpose could help us see the world through the eyes of the people who created them. Every discovery adds another piece to the puzzle and helps us build a clearer picture of their society.
In the end, exploring the unknown is part of human nature. Every time we solve a historical mystery, we gain not only knowledge but also a deeper appreciation for the cultures that came before us.
Do you agree with the scientists’ conclusions?
It’s very interesting that archaeologists from Yamagata University indicate in their conclusions that our Nazca Lines were used as an ancient form of communication in the Nazca Desert.
Why do you think it’s important to solve historical mysteries like this? Knowing our past allows us to look to the future with optimism. The past can teach us life lessons that we shouldn’t overlook. The Nazca geoglyphs were here for a reason. I don’t think their true purpose has yet to be discovered, but I find it fascinating that the conclusion will be reached that they were used to communicate between neighboring settlements and valleys. I wonder, but they could only be seen from the sky… they are simply paths that contained something else.
Dear Carlos and Adriana,
Thanks for your interesting comments. I agree, understanding the purpose of the lines can help us understand what their society was like. Maybe how they communicated with fellow villages, who knows?