Tokyo, Japan – A team of Japanese scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery in the arid plains of southern Peru, unveiling hundreds of enormous geoglyphs, affectionately dubbed “desert doodles,” utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques. This innovative approach promises to reshape our understanding of ancient cultures and their artistic expressions.
Japanese researchers have employed artificial intelligence to reveal 303 new etchings in Peru’s Nazca desert, effectively doubling the number of known geoglyphs created approximately 2,000 years ago by a pre-Inca civilization. These iconic Nazca lines, consisting of vast carvings in the desert that portray animals, plants, mythical beings, and geometric patterns, have intrigued scientists since their discovery nearly a century ago.
Archaeologist Masato Sakai of Yamagata University announced the discoveries in Lima on Monday, saying, “The use of AI in research has allowed us to map the distribution of geoglyphs in a faster and more precise way.
“He explained that the findings were the result of a collaboration between his university’s Nazca Institute and IBM’s research division.”The traditional method of study, which consisted of visually identifying the geoglyphs from high-resolution images of this vast area, was slow and carried the risk of overlooking some of them,” according to him.
The scientists used machine learning models to identify patterns in the vast desert landscape, revealing over 1,000 previously unrecorded geoglyphs. Many of these markings are believed to date back to pre-Columbian civilizations, suggesting that ancient Peruvians possessed advanced artistic skills and a deep connection to their environment.
The work was also published on Monday in the famous Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, and it describes how artificial intelligence can be used to speed up archaeology discoveries even at well-known locations.
According to the report, it took nearly a century to discover the 430 figurative Nazca geoglyphs.
“This discovery is a testament to the power of technology in archaeology,” said Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, the lead researcher. “By combining AI with traditional methods, we can unlock new layers of history and understand the cultural significance of these remarkable creations.”
The newly found geoglyphs include spirals, animals, and abstract shapes, some measuring up to several hundred meters in length. Researchers are now working to determine their exact age and the cultures that created them, aiming to preserve this rich heritage in light of increasing environmental threats.
The findings have garnered international attention, with experts praising the innovative use of AI in archaeological research. “This is a game-changer for the field,” commented Dr. Maria Gonzales, an archaeologist specializing in Andean cultures. “It opens up new avenues for exploration and understanding of ancient civilizations.”
The team plans to continue their research, collaborating with local authorities and cultural heritage organizations to ensure the protection of these invaluable geoglyphs. As technology and archaeology intersect, the potential for discoveries remains boundless, promising to unveil more secrets of our past.
