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Judi Lynn

(162,542 posts)
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 08:26 AM Dec 13

Nazca Lines: Rediscovered by AI

Discover how cutting-edge AI technology unveiled hundreds of hidden Nazca Lines in Peru, unraveling ancient mysteries faster than ever before. Dive into the story to explore the fascinating blend of archaeology and innovation!



Friday December 13, 2024 , 6 min

The Nazca Lines, sprawling across Peru’s vast desert landscape, are among the most enigmatic archaeological wonders of the world. These geoglyphs, carved into the desert plains more than 2,000 years ago, depict a wide range of forms—from geometric shapes and animals to humanoid figures and abstract symbols. Their sheer scale and the mystery surrounding their purpose have fasc

inated archaeologists and travelers for decades.

However, as vast and intricate as the Nazca geoglyphs are, their discovery and study have been anything but simple. Traditional methods such as aerial photography and on-foot exploration are labor-intensive and often limited by the vastness of the Peruvian desert. Enter artificial intelligence—a revolutionary tool that has transformed how we uncover secrets buried in the sands of time.

Setting the Context: What Are the Nazca Lines?



The Nazca Lines are a collection of hundreds of geoglyphs spread across the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. These massive artworks were created by removing the reddish-brown iron oxide-coated stones that blanket the desert surface, revealing the lighter-colored earth beneath. The designs are so large—some stretching over 1,200 feet (370 meters)—that they are best appreciated from the air.

Their creators, the Nazca civilisation, flourished between 200 BCE and 600 CE. The exact purpose of these geoglyphs remains a topic of debate. Scholars have proposed various theories, including:

1. Astronomical Significance: Alignments with celestial events or constellations.

2. Ritual Pathways: Routes for ceremonial processions.

3. Water Cult Symbolism: Representations of rituals to invoke rain and fertility. Cultural Markers: Symbols of identity or communication with deities.

4. Cultural Markers: Symbols of identity or communication with deities.

Read more at: https://yourstory.com/2024/12/nazca-lines-rediscovered-ai

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GiqueCee

(1,515 posts)
1. Creating a 1,200-foot long spider...
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 08:47 AM
Dec 13

... with such spectacular precision is an astounding feat. They had no aerial capability, and only the most primitive surveying tools, if they had any at all. It would be interesting to see how some hardy souls might recreate one of these images with the same utilitarian limitations of the Nazcas. It's been approximated with the assistance of modern tools and aircraft, but how about someone gettin' down and dirty like the ancient Nazcas to do it? Could make a fascinating documentary.

mitch96

(14,768 posts)
2. I suppose you could draw a spider and then put it on a grid. Increase the size and put it on the ground..
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 08:54 AM
Dec 13

draw a grid over an image you want to enlarge, then draw a larger grid on a new surface, copying the details from each square of the original image onto the corresponding square of the new grid. This will
"scale up" the image...
A thought..
m

&t=434s

GiqueCee

(1,515 posts)
3. I've been a graphics professional...
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 09:07 AM
Dec 13

... 60 years, so I am familiar with your suggestion. I've employed it successfully with the mural work I've done in the past. It's the sheer scale of the Nazca images that leaves me awestruck. Factoring in their lack of tools that we now have makes the accomplishment all the more impressive.
Now I've almost talked myself into trying it! When the snow's gone, of course.

mitch96

(14,768 posts)
4. "Now I've almost talked myself into trying it! " I think it would be neat to put one on an approach to an airport
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 09:18 AM
Dec 13

From Height only a pilot and or passangers would see it..
45 sucks would be a good start...
m

WhiteTara

(30,227 posts)
6. why do we have to assume they were primitive
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 10:32 AM
Dec 13

in their capabilities. Because we find no remains of their tools? I bet after a couple of thousands of years, our electric lines will disintegrate.

GiqueCee

(1,515 posts)
7. Well...
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 11:50 AM
Dec 13

... I seriously doubt that they had transits or any other precision measuring devices. and the lines were created 2,000 years ago, give or take. They may have had iron tools, but steel had not been created in the Americas yet. But the Mayans and Aztecs also created wondrous works of enormous scale with only stone tools and string.

JoseBalow

(5,643 posts)
8. Did a vehicle Come from somewhere out there Just to land in the Andes?
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 02:41 PM
Dec 13

Or did someone
Build a place
To leave a space
For such a vehicle to land?

(9:46) - Recorded 1974

FirstLight

(14,309 posts)
9. Bookmarking!
Fri Dec 13, 2024, 04:33 PM
Dec 13

I am taking a class as part of my anthropology degree called Frauds, Myths & Mysteries... which I am sure this may be one of the ancient alien stories we cover.
Unfortunately, it doesn't start until March, so I'll hope to weigh in on some more info when we do cover them!

As always, Thanks JudiLynn for sharing

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