facts about the mysterious nazca lines
Facts about the Mysterious Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are an exquisite archaeological wonder, from over 1500 years ago, that were discovered only 86 years back! While the chunk of its secrets remains a mystery till date, this Buzzle write-up gives you a glimpse of the facts that are known far.
Location
The famous Nazca Lines are located in the harsh Peruvian desert, Pampa Colorada (Red Plain).
Tourist Destination
The UNESCO named the Nazca Lines as a World Heritage site in 1994. Ever since, it is flocked by tourists and researchers alike.
Made By
Most archaeologists believe that that these lines were engraved by the once-native, ancient Nazca Indians.
When Were They Created?
Based on carbon dating analysis of the discovered evidence, the markings are assumed to be created between 800 BC to 800 AD.
Discovery
The Nazca Lines were first spotted in 1927 by an archaeologist, Toribio Mejia Xesspe who happened to be hiking in the surrounding foothills.
Later in 1940, a historian named Paul Kosok flew over the lines and was the first one to notice that they formed different shapes and weren't drawn at random. This sparked his interest, as he began to implore further into these mystical geoglyphs. Maria Reiche, an archaeologist-cum-mathematician, joined him in his quest and studied the lines extensively.
How Were They Made?
A widely accepted theory is that the Nazca Indians used simple tools like wooden stakes to carve these lines into the desert plateau. The plateau is covered with red pebbles that blanket the whitish underlying ground. Thus, the markings are distinct and contrast the plateau's natural copper finish.
Area
These remarkable lines are spread across an area of 500 square kilometers.
Preservation
These lines have stood the test of time owing to extreme climatic conditions in the Peruvian desert. The area is bone dry, lacks wind, and maintains a standard average temperature frame of 25° C. With the plateau being preserved from erosion, the Nazca Lines have naturally remained intact and are distinctly visible even today.
The Lines or 'drawings'
These ground carvings vary from normal geometrical shapes to other human as well as animal figures. The drawings are on a massive scale; for example, the famous 'Condor' stretches to a shocking 143 meters in length.
Why Were They Made?
The purpose of these magnificent lines can only guessed at for now. While there have been many theories ranging from alien markings, religious practices (deity worship) to textile looms, none have any considerable evidence to back them. The most widely accepted one, nevertheless, is that the Nazca Indians made these markings as an offering to please the Gods and lure them into giving water. Considering that the area is dry and parched, this does make sense to some extent.
Perennial Lines?
The lines are fairly superficial and are up to 30 cm deep. While the weather conditions are favorable for preservation, the markings can live on. However, any sudden climatic change that results in heavy rains will cause severe damage to these markings.
Labyrinth
There are countless random intersecting lines on the plateau. While all of them do not have any known significance at the moment, researchers believe that among these lines is a labyrinth. Unlike the rest, it is not meant for aerial appearance. Instead, one is supposed to walk over it for spiritual enlightenment!