Japanese researchers have discovered over 140 new rock drawings (geoglyphs) in the Nazca Desert in southwestern Peru thanks to the latest technology. Some of them present well-known forms from the region, such as monkeys, snakes or animals and plants. Others were a surprise to scientists: especially those depicting human figures.

To date, the purpose of the glyphs has not been determined (photo: Yamagata University) Japanese researchers have discovered over 140 new rock drawings (geoglyphs) in the Nazca Desert in southwestern Peru thanks to the latest technology. Some of them present well-known forms from the region, such as monkeys, snakes or animals and plants. Others were a surprise to scientists: especially those depicting human figures. A fresco with gladiating blood. A sensational discovery in Pompeii According to a statement by the Yamagata University, which financed the study since 2004, the drawings found were created about two thousand years ago. Most of them are in poor condition because they have been gradually erased by winds, erosion and the passage of time. For their location, it was necessary, in addition to field work and high-resolution aerial photographs, to use artificial intelligence. Based on the data obtained and after processing the images, researchers found 142 new forms, including fish, llamas, monkeys and birds. The largest identified drawing measures over 100 meters and the smallest 5 meters. Drawings from Nazca were created by the Nazca Indians between 300 BC and 900 AD on the Peruvian plateaus. They are still intriguing scientists who are unable to answer the question why geoglyphs were used.

Some hypotheses say that the Indians shaped these gigantic drawings so that they could be seen by the deities they believed in and worshiped. Others argue that these structures may have served astronomical purposes because some actually reflect constellations. There are also ones that say that geoglyphs were used to determine the sowing and harvesting times. They point to the points of sunrise and sunset during the autumn and spring equinox and summer solstice. Drawings, discovered in 1926 and initially taken as irrigation systems, are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Peru.