The Nazca region lies
between the Pacific coast of Southern Peru and the Andean foothills. The entire
region is made up of strange lines - some in geometric shapes, some in the
shape of animals and birds. The lines and pattern on the desert floor seems to
be the work of a mad geometrician and a giant. This is one of the most baffling
aspect. The archaeology and the archaeologists have no satisfactory answers.
Despite all 
The lines are more bewildering as sometimes lines could only be seen from an
altitude of above 1,000 ft. and some designs are so closely intermingled, that
they give a picture of some science- fiction novel. In addition to these
drawings and incomprehensible lines, the Nazca region has almost experienced no
rain for 10,000 years. But this apparently has been due to a scientific reason
- the cool prevailing winds from the ocean could hardly pick up the moisture
from the chilly waters of the Humboldt current. Furthermore, the erosion on the
slopes of Peru is quite similar to the space probes on Mars. To test it
scientifically, the NASA (National Aeronautical and Space Administration) has
sent a team of scientists to study the erosion and the possibility of life on
Mars.
It was only in 1941
that these mysterious, enigmatic lines attracted attention. Dr. Paul Kosok of
Long Island University was the first one to examine the land. He examined the
plain from the plane and named the unique area as "the largest astronomy
book in the world" His work was followed by a German mathematician and
astronomer, Maria Reiche.
She studied the area for more than 30 years and is
now 70 years old. She criss-crossed it step by step on triangular,
quadrangular, or parallel lines and sometimes on zig zags. She researched
exhuastively and drew the conclusion that tons of small stones must have been
moved to create the outlines of each line. And the positioning must have been
done in
accordance with a
calculated plan. To draw lines, she proposed the theory that they must have
stretched strings from posts. These posts are still visible. And the carbon -14
method has dated these post back to A.D. 500. Maria Reiche also found out from
the designs the unit of measurement that the Nazcas must have used.
The two members of the
International Explorers Society of Coral Gables, Florida based their ideas on a
painted Nazca ceramics. These two members - Julian Knott and Jim Woodman, said
that the pieces of pottery invariably depicted an airshipThese two men along
with some other members believed that Nazcas could not have composed such
complicated designs without having an aerial view.
Some other researchers
have tried to reason out the secret of Nazcas by studying tombs in the Paracas
region. They believe that the nearby site, Necropolis, dates to the same period
and was used as the burial place for nobles and priests.In the excavation,
about 400 mummies, wrapped in shrouds and elaborate cloaks have been found. The
date of their burial is estimated to be about 2000 years ago.
Some Peruvian
archaeologists share the views of Paul Korok and Maria Reiche. They agree that
Nazca drawings are an
astronomical calendar.
It is also presumed by some scholars that the Nazcas used to read the news of
different weather signs from the flight patterns of seabird. In fact, Indians
of Peru still believe in the magical powers of animals and they see the shapes
of these animals in the stars. A few theorists believe that the figures of the
desert zoo are reproductions of the shapes made by groups of stars. Another
theory is that they could have been the magical religious cult expressed in a
theatrical ritual.
Of the reason behind
triangular, trapezoidal or quadrangular 'runway' opinions differ. According to
some they were places of assembly. Others believe that they must have been
astronomical observations. And according to some it would have been a ground,
guided by the spirits. Another group believes that burnt offerings were made to
the Nazca Gods there. There are innumerable beliefs. Theorists have not arrived
on a single platform for agreement. Astronomer Gerald S. Hawkins used computer
in 1960 to check the astronomical interpretation of the Nazca Complex. The
result was disappointing. The computer totally negated the research of so many
years. It proved that Nazca lines were not designed as a calendar.
The question still
remains - what did these unique lines signify? However, Peru government has
taken precaution to avoid spoiling these designs. It has banned walking or
driving over the area except by special permission. The tourists are allowed to
see the enigma from a roadside observation tower.
Bibliography :- Nazca_Lines , Maria_Reiche , World Famous unsolved Mysteries by Abhay Kumar Dubey
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