South American mysteries: The Nazca lines - by Joanne Smedley

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by Joanne Smedley

Created on: February 14, 2009 Last Updated: February 24, 2009

Since the discovery of the Nasca lines in Peru in the 1920's by the first commercial over flights, the lines themselves have remained a totally mystery to observers, archaeologists and anthropologists alike.

The lines and their animal symbols were popularised in 1968 by Eric Vondaniken's "Chariots of the Gods" as alien landing pads, but in truth there are many different explanations as to why they were created and who by.

WHEN WERE THEY MADE?

Their creation is placed somewhere between 200 and 600 BC by the Peruvian people. Radiocarbon dating is imprecise due to the nature of the lines. Some researchers suggest they were made between 500 BC and 500 AD.

WHERE ARE THEY LOCATED?

They are located in Peru, on the arid high plateau between Nasca and Palpa in a region known as the Pampa, and cover over 400 square miles of desert.

HOW WERE THEY MADE?

The pampa is covered in dark pebbles which hide a lighter subsoil beneath. Removal of the pebbles reveals this subsoil, and the combination of low rainfall and flat ground which minimises any effect of the wind, ensures that the marks made will remain for centuries.

The Nasca lines themselves take the form of huge geometric shapes, straight lines and animal or anthropomorphic figures. These lines are only clearly visible from the air.

Theories as to the lines' construction suggest that their great skill in weaving patterns onto cloth was used to create the large designs.

THEORIES

There are many theories as to why the lines were constructed. These range from Von Daniken's alien theories through to astronomical calendars, star maps, ritual walk paths, markers for subterranean water flow, symbols of the clan cultures in the area, and others place them as geometry or cryptic codes from the ancient cultures existing at the same time as the pyramid builders.

In reality though, no one can ever be certain why they were constructed and the lines will forever remain a mystery.

VIEWING THE LINES:

If you visit Peru to see the Nasca lines you are best advised to hire a light aircraft. Several tourist flights operate from the local airport.

There is a viewing platform in the pampa from which you get a limited view of some of the shapes, but the true scale of the lines can only really be seen from the air.