The Nazca Lines are the largest works of geographic art in the world. They consist of 300 figures made of straight lines, geometric shapes, and pictures of animals and birds. The lines are produced on the ground by dragging or arranging stones. The lines are attributed to the Nazca Culture of southern Peru that developed in the Intermediate Period (300 BC–AD 600) Location: Pampa Colorada (Red Plain) is a 37-mile long and 15-mile wide plateau on the coastal desert of southern Peru between the towns of Nazca and Palpa.
Location: Pampa Colorada (Red Plain) is a 37-mile long and 15-mile wide plateau on the coastal desert of southern Peru between the towns of Nazca and Palpa.
Figures: There are enormous geometric forms, including triangles, spirals circles and trapezoids, as well 70 extraordinary animal and plant figures, such as a hummingbird, monkey, spider, lizard, and pelican. A few anthropomorphic figures are located at the edge of the dessert.
105 feet long
305 feet long
Occupies the area of a football stadium
Crossing the Panamericana highway
Discovery: The lines were discovered by Dr. Paul Kosok in 1927. His work started in the 1930’s and ended with his death in 1959. He was succeeded by his partner Maria Reich, a mathematician.
Theory:: Reich extended and accepted Kosok’s theory, that the lines have some connection with an early calendar and served as an astronomical observatory. The Astronomical Theory states that the lines are an astronomical calendar necessary for the seasonal agriculture economy of ancient peoples. The lines mark the position of the sun at the solstices and equinoxes and the appearance and disappearance of the important stars.
Map:
Alfred Louis Kroeber, Donald Collier, Patrick H. Carmichael, and Field Museum of Natural History.
1998 The archaeology and pottery of Nazca, Peru: Alfred L. Kroeber's 1926 expedition. Altamira: illustrated.
Donald Langmead, and Christine Garnaut.
2001 Encyclopedia of architectural and engineering feats. ABC-CLIO: 3, illustrated.
Click here for the Spanish version
By: Kruscaya Casaverde