Japanese scientists have used artificial intelligence to uncover 303 new geoglyphs in Peru's Nazca desert, doubling the number of known etchings created by a pre-Inca civilization nearly 2,000 years ago. The findings mark a significant leap in our understanding of the ancient Nazca culture.

The Fascinating Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines, massive designs etched into the desert floor, depict a variety of figures, including animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Located about 220 miles (350 kilometers) south of Lima, these ancient artworks are best viewed from the air and have been a subject of fascination since their discovery nearly a century ago. The site is one of Peru’s top tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

AI’s Role in the New Discoveries

Announcing the new findings in Lima on Monday, archaeologist Masato Sakai from Yamagata University explained that AI technology has revolutionized the way researchers map geoglyphs. "The use of AI in research has allowed us to map the distribution of geoglyphs in a faster and more precise way," he stated. This breakthrough was achieved through a collaboration between Yamagata University's Nazca Institute and IBM’s research division.

Accelerating Discoveries with AI

Traditional methods of identifying geoglyphs involved visually scanning high-resolution images, a slow process that risked missing smaller, less distinct figures. By contrast, AI was able to identify 303 new geoglyphs in just six months, a remarkable achievement considering it took nearly a century to catalog 430 figurative geoglyphs previously.

The newly discovered geoglyphs include giant linear designs representing wild animals and smaller motifs of abstract humanoids and domesticated camelids, such as llamas. The AI model excelled at detecting smaller relief-type geoglyphs that are difficult to spot with the naked eye.

Advanced Technology in Archaeology

Using AI, scientists analyzed vast amounts of geospatial data collected from aircraft to pinpoint areas with potential geoglyphs. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) journal, highlights how AI can accelerate archaeological discoveries, even in sites that are well-researched.

The Mystery of the Nazca Lines

The Nazca civilization thrived in southwestern Peru from 200 BC to 700 AD. The purpose behind the creation of these intricate lines remains a mystery, with some researchers suggesting they had astrological or religious significance.

The first Nazca geoglyphs were discovered in 1927, and their enigmatic beauty continues to captivate scientists and tourists alike. With the help of AI, researchers are now able to uncover more about this ancient culture and its mysterious creations.