“Nazca has so far eluded the cleverest attempts to solve its riddle. This is perhaps not surprising, given the obstinate way human reason clings to what it already knows.”

— Erich von Däniken from his book, "Arrival of the Gods"

Description:

In part two of our series on the Nazca lines, we examine some of the prevailing theories about their purpose. From astronomical earthwork markers, maps of aquifer sources, and a gargantuan textile & mummy manufactory to processional pathways for worshippers, a conclusive and comprehensive explanation continues to elude researchers and the public. Yet while most scholars and enthusiasts concentrate on the biomorphic geoglyphs of Nazca, perhaps the greater mystery lies in the older, more sophisticated, and complex lines in the Palpa region to the north. Here, the multitude of amazingly long stretches of "runway" courses, zig-zags, and labyrinthine "paper clip" patterns suggest that this culture's motivations may have been technological as well as spiritual. In addition, many of these lines were carved into what appear to be the leveled ridges of the mountainous geography, where tracks can lead to steep dropoffs. Whatever the speculations, we may only be one new discovery away from finally solving the riddle of the Nazca lines.

The “Astronaut” or the “Owl Man,” original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “monkey,” original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “spider,” original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Wide shot of a figure known as “The Hands” or perhaps an unfinished monkey. Original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Close-up of “The Hands.” Original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “Hands” geoglyph with the “tree” to the left, and the observation tower in view. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Close-up of the “parrot.” Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “hummingbird,” original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “condor” original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “scared cat” or “dog” original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

The “orca” Nazca line, original photography by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Shot of the Nazca airport by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Getting ready for the flight at the Nazca airport. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Panorama of the Nazca plain. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Nazca “runway” strip. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

One of the trapezoid geometric shapes. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

One example of the many sets of long parallel lines and a possibly leveled ridge. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Image of the “crane,” “flamingo,” or possibly reclassified as a pelican, with a stylized zig-zag neck, the zig-zag being a common motif with the lines. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Overview of the crisscrossing lines. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Aero Condor, the Nazca air tourism company. Photo by Christian Haugen, used under CC BY 2.0 on Flickr.

Cover of the Cronicas del Peru by Pedro Cieza de León from 1553

Dr. Julio César Tello, known as the “father of Peruvian archaeology”

Example of an “ojo” or eye in Spanish, which is an access well to a Nazca “puquio” aqueduct channel.

“A cross-section of a typical qanat,” graphics by Samuel Bailey. Used by CC BY 3.0

Location:

The much older and more complex geoglyph lines in the Palpa region north of Nazca, Peru.

Reference Links:

Related Books:

Henri Stierlin’s 1983 book, Nazca: The Key to the Mystery on eBay

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CREDITS:

Episode 252: The Nazca Lines Part 2. Produced by Scott Philbrook & Forrest Burgess; Audio Editing by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound. Music and Sound Design by Allen Carrescia. Tess Pfeifle, Producer, and Lead Researcher. Ed Voccola, Technical Producer. Research Support from The Astonishing Research Corps, or "A.R.C." for short. Copyright 2023 Astonishing Legends Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Ep 252: The Nazca Lines Part 2