A recent application of artificial intelligence has led to the discovery of hundreds of ancient Nazca geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert, depicting human heads and llamas. This technology allowed researchers to efficiently analyze aerial imagery and identify 303 new figurative geoglyphs, which reflect the cultural practices of the Nazca civilization, including human sacrifice. Ongoing concerns remain regarding the preservation of these archaeological finds due to modern land use pressures.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have enabled researchers to uncover hundreds of ancient geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert, notably drawings that illustrate decapitated human heads and domesticated llamas. These geoglyphs are attributed to the Nazca culture, who began engraving these intricate designs into the earth approximately 2,000 years ago. The newly discovered geoglyphs differ significantly from the larger figures known as the Nazca lines, which extend for several kilometers and depict various wild animals and geometric shapes. In contrast, the recently identified images, measuring around nine meters in length, mainly portray humanoid figures and domesticated creatures, with some suggesting themes of human sacrifice. Notably, scenes on pottery from the Nazca era have depicted orcas wielding knives that sever human heads, indicating the role of these marine creatures in ritualistic practices of the time. Masato Sakai from Yamagata University in Japan, along with his research team, utilized an AI model to sift through aerial imagery covering an area approximately ten times larger than Manhattan, encompassing the Nazca Pampa and adjacent regions within the UNESCO World Heritage site. This AI analysis produced a probability map indicating the likelihood of geoglyphs existing within each grid square. While researchers still dedicated more than 2,600 hours to meticulously verify the highest probability images through field inspections, it is estimated that the AI expedited this screening process by a factor of 50 by effectively filtering out 98% of low-probability imagery. The result was the identification of 303 figurative geoglyphs during surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023. Among these, 178 were distinctly identified by the AI, while 66 were discovered within clusters highlighted by the technology. Karsten Lambers from Leiden University in the Netherlands acknowledged the significance of AI in mapping the geoglyphs of the Nazca region but also noted the potential limitations of this technology, particularly its tendency to identify only the more visible formations. He cautioned that some geoglyphs, likely still undiscovered, may prove more challenging to locate. With nearly 1,000 AI-detected candidates pending inspection for future field surveys, the focus on smaller geoglyphs is noteworthy as they typically appear on hillsides adjacent to winding trails, suggesting a historical association with individual or small group rituals. Conversely, the prominent line geoglyphs are believed to have served as focal points for larger community rituals. David Beresford-Jones from the University of Cambridge emphasized the importance of swift action in the preservation efforts of these historical geoglyphs, as many are threatened by agricultural growth, urban development, and wind energy generation.
The Nazca culture, known for its impressive geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, flourished in ancient Peru around 200 BC to 600 AD. These carvings, which include highly stylized depictions of animals, plants, and geometric shapes, were primarily formed on the Nazca Pampa. The larger Nazca lines, often exceeding kilometers in length, have attracted considerable attention for their scale and precision. Recent technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, have provided archaeologists with new tools to uncover lesser-known geoglyphs that may offer insights into the rituals and societal practices of the Nazca people. These developments are crucial given the ongoing threats to these archaeological treasures from modern development and environmental factors.
In summary, the integration of artificial intelligence into archaeological research has significantly enhanced the capacity to discover and analyze ancient geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert. The identification of 303 new figures attributed to the Nazca culture provides valuable insights into the historical practices of this civilization. While AI technology demonstrates considerable promise in uncovering these treasures, researchers must remain vigilant as many geoglyphs face imminent threats from contemporary land use. The ongoing efforts to map and preserve these sites underscore the importance of maintaining cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges.
Original Source: www.newscientist.com
