Nazca Lines

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Nazca Geoglyph Lines & Geometric Shapes

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	Nazca Archaeology •Nazca Plateau Overview •Nazca Lines Science •Dr. Maria Reiche •Dr. Paul Kosok •Nazca Culture •Nazca Ceramics Gallery •Nazca In Danger •Nazca Cantayo Aqueducts •Nazca Chauchilla Tombs •Palpa Valley Peru •Pisco Valley Anomalies •Nazca Mystery Bookshop
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	Other •Map Of Peru - Peru Info •Virtual Earth Satellite Map •FREE Nazca Clipart
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Nazca • Ica • Peru

The Nazca Lines area is generally defined as
between the Nazca and Ingenio rivers

The Nazca lines generally refers to a broad group of geoglyphs contained in the greater Nazca area of Peru. It includes the Nazca, Ingenio, and Palpa river valleys. However, in our website we have them separated for ease of viewing. We have also separated the lines (this page) from the symbols. Please visit each page in turn to see these last wonders of the world!

Different Types Of Nazca Lines And Symbols

NazcaMystery.com ¤ Nazca Lines Cheat Sheet
Nazca Line Type (Geoglyph Type)	Description	Example	Link To Section
Symbols (Figures & Geometrics)	The Nazca (and Palpa and Ingenio) symbols are a group of designs representing diverse numbers of animal (including humans) and plant shapes, as well as geometric shapes (such as spirals)		»
Long Lines	Long Lines can be found throughout the Nazca region - they are typically narrow (1 meter), but much wider examples can be found. Long lines can be either very precise, or somewhat rough, based upon their age and period created. They can be several miles or kilometers long.		»
Parallel Lines	Nazca parallel lines occur by themselves, and in groups forming complex patterns. Some can be miles long.		»
Trapezoids	A trapezoid is a triangular shaped line or symbol. From the narrow point, it might be possible to see a segment of the horizon, such as where the sun might rise or set between specific dates. Or from the wide end, focus on a particular place on the distant horizon.		»
Runways	Runways are different than lines, in that they are wide cleared paths of unknown purpose. They could be astronomical sight lines, or ceremonial avenues.		»
Radiant Points	This is a central point from which many lines radiate.		»
ZigZag Lines	These lines form a zigzag pattern, usually associated with another shape or object, such as: runways, trapezoids, or symbols.		»

Nazca Lines: Symbols

The "Cross", located near the "Plant" or "Alga"

Continue Your Exploration

Some Of The More Familiar
Nazca Zoomorph Shapes

Some Of The Famous Nazca Animal Figures

click on a shape to view that page - symbols main page - science

Learn More About: Nazca's Destruction »

Nazca Lines: Origination Points

The above chart show the origination points for many of the major Nazca lines

Nazca Lines: Long Lines

The purpose of the long lines is not known, however, some of the lone lines are incredible straight and precise of immense distances. Frequently they lead over obstacles, such as hills and ravines without any significant deviations

In this case a Long Line crosses through a cluster

Even after millennia of weather and erosion long lines remain visible

Shows the Pan-American Highway cutting through several long lines

A unique image by Maria Reiche showing curving lines originating from the hill top. Note the glyphic writing along the ridgeline at the upper right of the image.

The precision of the long lines over significant distances and following the contour of the land is nothing short of amazing!

Note how the long lines follow right over the top of hills. The inclined portion of these lines shows erosion, possible do to the nature of the line as a water channel for the infrequent precipitation

A young Maria Reiche standing by a long line in 1949

Notice the long line to the right and left of the astronaut, following the contours of the hill, and another line following over the top of the hill from the astronaut right hand (left)

Nazca Lines: Parallel Lines

Parallel lines might have served to focus on a specific place on the distant horizon, since they converge as they lead off into the distance.

Why So Many Photos?

The goal of our website is to present multiple views of each symbol for three reasons:

1) the lines are extremely difficult to photograph due to lighting conditions and the condition of the geoglyph itself,
2) to provide better context of the symbol, showing some of its surrounding area, and
3) because different views provide a better understanding of the style of design and perhaps a greater appreciation of the genius of the constructors. more science »

These parallel lines advance right over the hill unbroken or bent