Nazca Peru Research Paper

The Nazca Lines are a series of lines in Nazca, Peru. The lines create various “glyphs” depicting either organic or geometric shapes. Many of the lines create the shapes of animals, such as spiders, monkeys, or birds. The figures’ origins are shrouded in mystery, as well as their purpose. Many theories about these things have emerged, such as the theory that they are part of a massive astrological calendar, or that the lines are sacred, and used for religious ceremonies.
From the ground, the figures cannot be seen. In fact, they were not discovered until a group of people searching for water in Peru, flew overhead and spotted the shapes in the Nazca Valley (UnMuseum). Due to the straightness, consistency, the amount of lines, and the amount of time it took, or must have taken, it is clear that these places were of importance and that the Nazca people were in that area for a very long time. It is also thought that the Nazca civilization was very active in the area. The lines were created by turning dark stones upside down to reveal a lighter color. They were made about 2000 years ago, between 500 BC and 500 AD. The dry environment and lack of heavy rain, as well as the many conservation efforts in the area, assure that the lines are authentic and that they remained
However, there is another theory that the lines were used in dances and ceremonies to bring down rain and help provide life to the surrounding area (Nasca). These theories, while possible, are unlikely to be true. Although there is very little information regarding what the purpose of the lines was, however, according to researchers at the University of Kentucky, it is highly likely that lines were made for some sort of religious or spiritual ceremony, and that the lines were created so that they could only be seen by the gods,