A group of archaeologists working in Peru have discovered, with the help of artificial intelligence, 303 previously unknown giant symbols carved in the Nazca desert. This discovery almost doubles the number of known Nazca hieroglyphs, mysterious works of art formed by moving stones or gravel that date back to about 2,000 years, according to a recent CNN report.
Enigmatic symbols revealed
The newly discovered engravings include a variety of figures: birds, plants, spiders, human figures with headdresses, decapitated heads and a knife-wielding orca. These new hieroglyphs offer a deeper insight into the culture and practices of the Nazca people, who inhabited this region millennia ago.
The purpose of the symbols is unclear, but it is believed that the region was a sacred space for the Nazca people. Source: Yamagata Nazca University Institute
The crucial role of artificial intelligence
The research team, led by Masato Sakai, a professor of archeology at Yamagata University in Japan, used an artificial intelligence model to analyze high-resolution images of the 430 Nazca symbols mapped in 2020. Although the model faced the challenge of having Using a limited number of images for training, it managed to suggest more than 47,000 potential sites in a region of 629 square kilometers.
Discovery and verification process
Between September 2022 and February 2023, researchers examined these promising sites on foot and with drones, verifying 303 new figurative hieroglyphs on the spot. Of these, 178 were suggested by the AI model and 125 were discovered during field work without direct help from artificial intelligence.
Implications for archeology
The use of artificial intelligence has significantly accelerated the pace of new archaeological discoveries. This approach promises a “revolution in archaeological discoveries,” allowing researchers to focus on more specific and valuable field work.
Deciphering the purpose of hieroglyphics
Although the exact meaning of the Nazca symbols remains a mystery, the study reveals interesting trends. Larger hieroglyphs, linear in type and easily visible from the air, generally depict wildlife such as animals or plants. On the other hand, the smaller hieroglyphs, of the relief type, include human representations or elements related to human activities, such as sacrifices and domesticated llamas.
Connection with ancient paths and rituals
The study also highlighted the existence of a network of ancient roads in the desert, many of which are close to different groups of symbols. The smallest hieroglyphics were found along these winding paths, suggesting that they could have been part of pilgrimages or ceremonial activities.
The largest symbols, located near straight lines, squares and trapezoids etched into the ground, could have been used for ceremonial activities at the end of a pilgrimage.
Future research and potential findings
The team was not able to examine all the promising candidates during the fieldwork season, indicating that there could be many more hieroglyphs waiting to be discovered. It is estimated that at least 248 additional figurative hieroglyphs could be found in future studies.
Impact and interdisciplinary collaboration
This discovery highlights the importance of collaboration between archaeologists and data scientists. As noted by Amina Jambajantsan, a researcher and data scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Geoanthropology, artificial intelligence has the potential to make enormous contributions to archaeology, although the models are not yet perfectly accurate.
Conclusion
Researchers continue to work to decipher the precise meaning of the hieroglyphs and their purpose in the Nazca culture. This breakthrough not only expands our knowledge of these ancient figures, but also exemplifies how modern technology can help unlock the mysteries of the past.
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