A team of archaeologists, led by Masato Sakai from Yamagata University in Japan, has made a groundbreaking discovery using artificial intelligence (AI). They have unearthed 303 previously unknown geoglyphs in Peru’s Nazca Desert. This project showcases the potential of AI in revolutionizing archaeological research, enabling discoveries that might have otherwise remained hidden forever.
Collaboration and Technological Innovation
The successful identification of these geoglyphs was only possible thanks to the collaboration between archaeologists and AI researchers. The team worked closely with experts from the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center and a colleague from Université Paris to develop a sophisticated AI model. This model was tailored to recognize faint signs of geoglyphs from aerial images captured by drones, revolutionizing the process of archaeological discovery.
The AI model underwent rigorous training using high-resolution images of known Nazca geoglyphs. This training allowed the model to learn and identify new potential sites accurately. As a result, the team could analyze vast amounts of geospatial data quickly and efficiently, highlighting regions where undiscovered geoglyphs might be lurking.
Efficiency, Speed, and Verification
One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the speed and efficiency brought about by using AI. By leveraging artificial intelligence, researchers could identify new geoglyphs twenty times faster than with traditional methods. In just six months, they had already pinpointed 303 new sites—a task that would have taken years without AI assistance.
However, the work did not stop with the AI’s suggestions. Upon identifying potential geoglyph locations, the team embarked on fieldwork and drone surveys to verify these findings. This comprehensive approach ensured that every new geoglyph discovered was accurately confirmed, setting a high standard for archaeological verification processes.
The geoglyphs discovered ranged in complexity and design, including depictions of humans, domesticated animals like llamas and birds, and abstract figures such as a knife-wielding killer whale. These findings contribute to expanding the known diversity of Nazca geoglyphs and help researchers draw insights into the cultural and spiritual life of the Nasca people.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The new geoglyphs date back to between 200 BCE and 700 CE, the period during which the Nasca culture flourished. Their strategic placement around ancient pathways suggests that these geoglyphs were likely intended to be seen by travelers, possibly serving spiritual, ceremonial, or ritualistic purposes. These findings offer new insights into the history and significance of the Nazca geoglyphs.
The impact of AI on archaeological research cannot be overstated. The technology has introduced unprecedented efficiency and accuracy in identifying hidden geoglyphs, enhancing the mapping and understanding of these enigmatic symbols. Looking to the future, the AI model has identified hundreds more potential geoglyph candidates awaiting investigation. Researchers estimate there could be as many as 250 additional geoglyphs yet to be discovered. They plan to continue employing AI to complete a comprehensive map of the geoglyphs in the Nazca Desert, ensuring the preservation of this invaluable cultural heritage for generations to come.
