Overview
The lines were made by removing dark surface stones to expose the pale ground beneath, forming shapes that have survived for millennia in the rainless desert. They range from long straight lines and geometric forms to figures of a hummingbird, monkey, spider, and others.
Description
Some figures are hundreds of meters across, laid out with striking precision. Their purpose is debated, with theories ranging from ritual pathways and water-related ceremonies to astronomical markers.
History and legacy
Made by the Paracas and especially the Nazca cultures, the lines are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great enigmas of ancient America. Their scale and preservation continue to fascinate scholars and visitors.