AI Uncovers 303 New Nazca Geoglyphs at World Heritage Site in Peru

Sep 24, 2024, 03:11 PM

Archaeologists have discovered 303 new geoglyphs in Peru's Nazca Desert with the help of artificial intelligence. The AI-assisted survey, conducted by Yamagata University and IBM, nearly doubles the number of known Nazca Lines at the UN-designated World Heritage Site and provides new insights into the ancient civilization’s artistic and cultural practices. The newly identified geoglyphs include depictions of llamas, decapitated human heads, and killer whales holding knives. The research team used drones and AI-assisted image analysis of aerial photographs to pinpoint the locations of these geoglyphs, which were created between 100 BC and 50 AD. This groundbreaking discovery, made within six months, sheds light on the purpose and significance of these ancient drawings.