Archaeology: AI Uncovers Hundreds of Nazca Geoglyphs in Peru
Discovering Ancient Art: The Nazca Geoglyphs
Artificial intelligence has recently aided researchers in revealing hundreds of ancient geoglyphs in Peru. These mysterious pre-Hispanic figures, known as geoglyphs, are intricate motifs etched into the ground by the movement of stones or gravel. Spanning the high, arid plateau of the Nazca desert region in southern Peru, these markings offer archaeologists a unique insight into the cultures and beliefs of the ancient people who created them.
Significance of the Geoglyphs
- The earliest examples date back over 2,000 years.
- Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
- Field surveys have identified approximately 430 figurative geoglyphs over decades.
AI-Powered Discovery
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal PNAS, a dedicated team, led by Masato Sakai from Yamagata University in Japan, applied AI-assisted image analysis to high-resolution photographs of the entire Nazca region. This innovative approach resulted in the identification of an astonishing 303 additional geoglyphs in just six months, nearly doubling the known tally.
The Future of Archaeology
The effectiveness of this AI approach, even with limited training samples, demonstrates its potential in enhancing the field of archaeology and unveiling ancient history.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.