AI Reveals Hidden Meanings
Researchers from Yamagata University in Japan have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Nazca Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru. Using artificial intelligence (AI), they have identified 303 new geoglyphs, nearly doubling the number previously known. These newly discovered figures, dating back 2,000 years, offer valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Nazca people.
"surface" and "line" types. The 303 newly discovered geoglyphs are of the surface type, created by removing stones to form figures. These figures, located along pathways, depict humans, heads, and livestock. Professor Masato Sakai, a cultural anthropologist at Yamagata University, believes these figures represent human sacrifices to the gods. He suggests that people at that time learned about the roles of human sacrifice and livestock by observing these figures while walking along the pathways.
The giant "line" type geoglyphs, including the famous Nazca hummingbird, are located at the starting and ending points of pilgrimage routes. Professor Sakai believes these figures likely served as ritual spaces in the shapes of animals. He suggests that in a society without written language, these figures served as a means of learning about the roles of people and animals, and were used as places for rituals.
These new discoveries shed light on the complex social and religious practices of the Nazca people. The use of AI has proven to be a powerful tool in unlocking the secrets of this ancient civilization, and further research is expected to reveal even more about their fascinating culture.