The Nazca Lines have been around for centuries, but it was only 1927 when they were first properly seen out of the window of a plane. Since then they have captivated the minds of millions of people worldwide and spawned many theories as to their purpose. From ritual trails to the Ancient Astronaut theories claiming them to be messages to aliens no one has ever been sure as to why these massive geoglyphs were created.
While we still don’t know why they were created, some stunning new discoveries have been made recently.
The Future Discovering The Past
In an Ancient Astronaut worthy twist, a team of scientists using artificial intelligence (AI) has discovered previously unnoticed lines in the Peruvian desert. The most noteworthy thing about the newly discovered geoglyph is that it shows a distinctly humanoid figure. This 13.1 foot (4 meter) long and 6.6 foot (2 m) wide humanoid geoglyph shows a man wearing what appears to be a headdress and brandishing a stick or a sword.
The team is composed of members and scientists from Yamagata University and IBM and they were astounded by the discoveries made using the specially developed AI system. They used the AI to scour images and footage of the area and it would highlight any possible patterns or lines that couldn’t be seen before.
Recently, more than 140 new lines and geoglyphs have been discovered in the area by the Yamagata University and IBM team, lead by Professor Sasaki. The team studied high-resolution 3D data and confirmed their theories with physical on-location experts. This headdress-wearing figure is the first to be found using AI, however. The newly discovered geoglyphs are estimated to be as recent as 300AD and as old as 100BC.
Made For The Job
The specially developed AI system analyzes huge amounts of geological data and searches for any lines or figures not yet discovered. In a world where AI is constantly demonized or seen as a technology that will bring about the end of humanity, it is refreshing to see it used in such a positive way that even the doomsayers can’t complain about it.
While we are still no closer to understanding why these amazing geoglyphs were created, the use of AI might bring us one step closer to discovering more about the origins and purpose of these magnificent artworks. Were they created for, or even by, extraterrestrial beings? Maybe they were just used in shamanistic rituals? Maybe they were simply an attempt to be remembered. All we know for certain is that as long as they are there, they will continue to fascinate us.