Artificial intelligence has facilitated the discovery of hundreds of ancient Nazca geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert, depicting decapitated heads and llamas, linking them to sacrifices based on Nazca cultural practices. The AI efficacy enabled researchers to identify 303 geoglyphs by streamlining aerial photo analysis, paving the way for future archaeological efforts and preservation against environmental threats.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have led to the discovery of hundreds of ancient geoglyphs in the Peruvian desert, specifically those associated with the Nazca culture. These geoglyphs, characterized by depictions of decapitated human heads and domesticated llamas, are smaller and older than the more renowned Nazca lines, which feature colossal geometric shapes and extensive animal figures. The newly identified drawings range approximately 9 meters in length and often suggest themes of human sacrifice, implying a connection between orcas and sacrificial rituals based on Nazca pottery findings. Researchers utilized an AI model trained to analyze aerial images of the desert plateau, encompassing a vast area of the Nazca Pampa, significantly improving the efficiency of locating these geoglyphs. The AI model helped streamline the process by eliminating low-probability images, while researchers persevered through extensive manual inspections to confirm the existence of 303 figurative geoglyphs by early 2023. This groundbreaking analysis not only aids our comprehension of the Nazca culture but also highlights the potential for discovering additional geoglyphs beyond the UNESCO World Heritage Site, especially as many are at risk due to urban development and agricultural expansion. The persistence of more than 1,000 AI-identified candidates for future inspection underscores the ongoing potential for archaeological discovery in this region.
The Nazca culture flourished in Peru approximately 2,000 years ago, leaving behind an array of geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Among these formations, the well-known Nazca lines, which display enormous geometric patterns and animal forms, have garnered significant attention. The recent discovery of smaller geoglyphs sheds new light on this ancient civilization, indicating more personal and ritualistic use of these images compared to the larger communal projects symbolized by the Nazca lines. The advent of artificial intelligence in detecting these geoglyphs represents a significant technological advancement in archaeology, showing promise in revealing previously unrecognized historical artifacts and enhancing the understanding of ancient civilizations. The implementation of AI technology in archaeology is particularly vital as many geoglyphs are threatened by environmental changes and human activities. Researchers are motivated by the urgency of documenting and preserving these cultural artifacts before they are lost forever.
In conclusion, the application of artificial intelligence in the archaeology of the Nazca region has resulted in significant discoveries of ancient geoglyphs, further illuminating the practices and beliefs of the Nazca culture. The identification of over 300 figurative geoglyphs, many depicting themes of sacrifice and ritual, marks an important step in understanding the cultural significance of these drawings. Ongoing inspections of AI-identified candidates for future surveys highlight the potential for continued archaeological advancements and the importance of preserving these invaluable cultural artifacts against the threats posed by modern development.
Original Source: www.newscientist.com
