IFL Science
By Ben Taub
December 13, 2022
While some ancient civilizations left behind written histories or crumbling temples, all that remains of Peru’s long-lost Nazca culture are the epic geoglyphs that adorn the desert landscape they once inhabited. Back in 1994, when these so-called Nazca Lines were given UESCO World Heritage status, only 30 of the giant etchings had been identified, yet archaeologists have just announced the discovery of a further 168 geoglyphs, bringing the current total to 358.
The newly identified artworks were spotted by researchers from Yamagata University between June 2019 and February 2020. Using drones and other aerial imaging techniques, the team revealed geoglyphs depicting humans, snakes, felines, killer whales, birds, and camelids, among other designs.