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Technology Accelerates Discoveries And Redefines Archaeological Methods By Cross-Referencing Data Efficiently And Revealing Hidden Figures In The Peruvian Desert, The Famous Nazca Lines
For over a hundred years, the mysterious Nazca Lines, in Peru, have intrigued archaeologists around the world. Created between 200 B.C. and 650 A.D. by the Nazca people, these enormous figures drawn on the desert floor depict animals, plants, and various objects.
They can only be seen from above and have sparked curiosity among scientists and visitors for decades. Now, with the help of artificial intelligence, a new chapter begins to be written in this ancient history.
Technology Accelerates Discoveries In The Nazca Lines
In just six months, a collaboration between archaeologists and computer scientists revealed 303 new geoglyphs, doubling the number of already known figures.
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The discovery was announced by the site Science Focus and represents one of the biggest advancements in the study of this archaeological site. Professor Masato Sakai from the Nazca Institute at Yamagata University leads the team that conducted the project in partnership with IBM specialists.
Sakai explains that the speed at which the work was done was only possible with the use of AI. Previously, similar surveys would have taken years.
The artificial intelligence analyzed large volumes of aerial images and identified patterns that are invisible to the human eye. This process allowed for the location of hidden geoglyphs in the desert that had previously gone unnoticed.
AI Transforms Archaeology
Artificial intelligence is not only accelerating research but also changing how archaeology is conducted.
The work in Nazca is a pioneering example of the successful use of AI in this field. The drawings, created by removing the top layer of soil, reveal the advanced knowledge of the Nazca people regarding geometry and symmetry. Now, AI complements traditional methods like photography and manual mapping, offering new possibilities.
According to archaeologist João Fonte from ERA Archaeology, the field is at the “forefront of innovation” with the use of digital technologies.
Tools like photogrammetry and remote sensing are also being incorporated into research. These innovations make working in large archaeological areas faster and more accurate.
Understanding Geoglyphs More Broadly
The discovery of new geoglyphs also opens up new interpretations regarding the function of these figures in the past.
Sakai’s team believes that many of the discovered drawings are linked to ritual trails that served to connect people to the landscape and deities. This reinforces the hypothesis that the lines had a spiritual role, in addition to being artistic and symbolic.
AI allows for mapping these connections more deeply, revealing how the Nazca interacted with the territory.
The analysis of the figures and their placements can provide new clues regarding the astronomical knowledge and spatial awareness of ancient peoples. The use of algorithms to detect previously invisible drawings enhances this understanding.
Other Uses Of Technology Around The World
The success of artificial intelligence in Nazca has inspired its application in other archaeological sites. From tombs to sunken ships, digital tools are gaining ground.
In 2023, researchers in the United Arab Emirates used AI to study Saruq Al Hadid, a copper smelting center that existed between 1270 and 800 B.C. The technology helped to better understand the distribution of artifacts and guide excavations.
For Dr. Alexandra Karamitrou from the University of Southampton, AI can identify relationships between objects and the environment, such as the distance from water sources or location on sloped terrain. This allows for more complete and grounded analyses.
Limits And Precautions In The Use Of AI
Despite the advantages, artificial intelligence is still not perfect. Each drawing identified by AI had to be manually verified by researchers. This shows that the technology still depends on human review. According to Karamitrou, the systems are still under development but already help save time, effort, and resources.
As technology evolves, the expectation is that AI will become more accurate. Automated detection could expand the reach of research, making it possible to explore larger areas at lower costs. This efficiency promises to revolutionize the field of archaeology and help reveal new mysteries of humanity.
The discovery of 303 new geoglyphs with the help of artificial intelligence marks a watershed moment in modern archaeology.
The work of the international team reinforces the value of collaboration between science and technology.
The combination of aerial images, AI, and archaeological knowledge reveals a promising path for the preservation and understanding of ancient civilizations.
With each new figure discovered in the Nazca desert, more details of the history of the people who lived there come to life. The expectation now is that other regions of the world undergo similar revolutions, with technology opening new windows to the past.
Eram mais inteligentes que essa nossa geração
O mundo tem regredido quando vemos o que era feito no passado e hoje nem perto chegaremos. Rochas de várias toneladas com encaixe perfeito 🤔
Quase impossível ler a reportagem com esse caminhão de propagandas…