Isha Sharma
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have led to the remarkable discovery of 303 previously unknown geoglyphs in Peru’s Nazca Desert. This significant archaeological finding nearly doubles the number of known symbols in the region, bringing new insights into the enigmatic art created by the Nazca people over 2,000 years ago.
The Role of AI in Archaeology
Artificial intelligence has transformed archaeological research by enhancing the speed and efficiency of site discovery.
Traditional methods required extensive manual surveys, but AI enables researchers to analyse vast amounts of data quickly.
In this case, AI helped narrow down 1,309 high-potential candidate sites from initial suggestions.
This innovative approach not only reduces labour but also allows archaeologists to concentrate on promising locations, revolutionising archaeological exploration.
The newly discovered symbols include various depictions such as birds, human-like figures, and even an orca wielding a knife.
Researchers from Japan’s Yamagata University and IBM utilised AI to analyse high-resolution imagery of the Nazca symbols, significantly speeding up the identification process.
The AI model generated over 47,000 potential sites, allowing the team to focus their efforts effectively and discover these ancient carvings, some of which were in poor condition.
Significance of the Nazca Symbols
The purpose of the Nazca geoglyphs remains a topic of intrigue. Scholars propose that these symbols might have served as sacred spaces or pilgrimage routes for the Nazca people.
Analysis of the new symbols reveals patterns suggesting that larger geoglyphs depict wildlife, while smaller ones often include human representations.
This suggests that the symbols played a role in ceremonial practices and may have been connected to the social and spiritual life of the Nazca civilization.
Unravelling the Mystery of Nazca Symbols
The purpose of the Nazca symbols remains unclear. The leading theory suggests they created sacred spaces for pilgrimage.
Other possibilities include their roles in calendars, astronomy, irrigation, or communication.
Recent analysis of newly discovered symbols revealed trends: larger geoglyphs, visible from the air, often depict animals or plants, while smaller ones feature human figures or activities like sacrifice and domesticated llamas.
The research also uncovered ancient paths in the desert that connect to these symbols, indicating that the Nazca people may have travelled along these routes in small groups to view the geoglyphs.
Larger symbols are often near networks of straight lines and geometric shapes, likely used for ceremonial purposes after pilgrimages.
Researchers are working to uncover the precise meanings of these geoglyphs, focusing on how their combinations might contribute to their significance.
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