Key Takeaways
• Researchers used AI to identify 303 new Nazca geoglyphs, nearly doubling the catalog of known figures in the Peruvian desert.
• The discovery was made through a collaboration between Yamagata University and IBM Research using high-resolution aerial imagery.
• Many of the newly found figures are located near ancient trails and may have served ritual or educational purposes.
• The project showcases how AI can advance archaeological discovery while supporting cultural preservation in fragile environments.
In a major breakthrough for archaeology, a team of researchers from Yamagata University in Japan, working with IBM Research, has used artificial intelligence to discover 303 previously undocumented Nazca geoglyphs in southern Peru.
The effort adds significantly to the existing body of knowledge about the ancient Nazca civilization and demonstrates how AI is reshaping field research in cultural heritage.
Ancient Art Meets Modern Algorithms
The Nazca geoglyphs, vast drawings etched into the surface of the Nazca Desert more than 2,000 years ago, have puzzled experts for decades.
Their scale and location make them difficult to detect from the ground. Now, thanks to AI-enhanced aerial surveys, researchers are revealing layers of the past previously hidden in plain sight.
The team trained an AI model using known geoglyph data and high-resolution drone images of the Nazca Pampa, a dry plateau located about 1,640 feet above sea level.
“The human heads depict human sacrifices to the gods,” said Masato Sakai, a professor at Yamagata University and lead archaeologist on the project.
• The AI divided the desert into image tiles, evaluating each for geoglyph-like patterns.
• The model was refined using transfer learning to adapt to desert-specific imagery.
• The 303 confirmed geoglyphs were identified and verified during follow-up field surveys.
This discovery nearly doubles the number of known geoglyphs, increasing the catalog to 430 total figures, 318 of which were uncovered since Yamagata University began its investigations in 2004.
A Closer Look at the Newly Found Figures
Unlike the well-known line-type geoglyphs visible from the air—such as the hummingbird or monkey—the 303 newly discovered figures are surface-type relief geoglyphs, typically the size of a city bus and close to the ground.
They include humanoids, camelids, birds, killer whales, and stylized heads with exaggerated facial features.
“At that time, there was no written language. People learned about the roles of humans and animals by looking at pictures and used them as places for rituals,” Sakai said.
Many of these geoglyphs were found within 141 feet of ancient footpaths, suggesting they may have played a role in daily rituals, myth-based education, or spiritual practices. Pottery shards found near some figures hint at their early ceremonial significance, possibly predating the larger and more prominent line-type geoglyphs.
Interpreting the Cultural Significance
The researchers believe the geoglyphs were integrated into the Nazca people’s social and religious routines, serving as visual prompts for storytelling, learning, or spiritual guidance.
• Relief-type figures cluster along footpaths, indicating frequent interaction.
• Larger line-type figures often appear at the start or end of pilgrimage routes.
• The use of iconography suggests a pictorial language in a society with no written script.
According to the study, the geoglyphs likely had multi-functional purposes some linked to domestic life, others to ritual processions and seasonal events.
Their spatial relationship to ancient roads supports the theory that they were part of structured ceremonial routes.
A Model for the Future of Archaeology
The research demonstrates the power of AI to assist in heritage discovery without invasive methods. By pinpointing potential sites, AI enables field teams to focus on confirmation and preservation instead of broad, resource-intensive surveys.
This non-invasive approach is becoming increasingly common in global archaeological efforts, including temple detection in Southeast Asia and underwater mapping of ancient wrecks.
The Nazca project also aids in preservation planning. As threats from mining, road construction, and tourism grow, digital maps derived from AI surveys can inform decisions about fencing, signage, and route planning to protect sensitive cultural assets.
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