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The Nazca culture is one of the many archaeological riches that can be found in Peru. From small structures to large buildings and complexes, the country is full of ancient vestiges that still have secrets to discover today. One of the most emblematic places is undoubtedly the famous Nazca lines, an impressive display of the art and skill of the Nazca culture in Peru.
Nazca Culture: discover its history on a walk into the past
The Nazca Lines are a set of ancient geoglyphs located in the Nazca desert in southern Peru. The figures extend over more than 80 square kilometers and are composed of more than 800 lines, 300 figures and geometric designs. Most of these figures resemble animals, such as birds, fish, llamas, and monkeys, but there are also human and abstract figures. The lines were created by the Nazca culture, which flourished between 200 B.C. and 700 AD.
Who made the Nazca lines?
Who made the Nazca Lines has long been debated, and while there is no definitive answer, it is believed that they were created by the Nazca culture between the 5th and 6th centuries AD. It is known for its ability to create high-quality art and ceramics, but the Nazca Lines are a much more impressive achievement. It is believed that the Nazca created these lines by walking through the desert and removing the stones and sand to reveal the ground below them, creating figures that have lasted for more than 1,500 years. Although it is not known for certain why the Nazca created these lines, it is believed that they were used in religious ceremonies and agricultural rituals. The Nazca worshiped mountains and rivers as gods and believed that these figures would help them communicate with them. It is also believed that the lines could have been used to mark the way to holy places or to communicate with the gods in the sky.
We prepared a summary of the Nazca culture!
The first investigations on the Nazca
The story goes that, in 1884, the German researcher Max Uhle was the one who initiated interest in the study of the Nazca culture, based on some ceramic pieces that Peruvian collectors sold to Europe. Uhle, at that time, worked as an assistant to the director of the Museum of Ethnology in Berlin, and the interest that these pieces brought him led him to later travel to Peru and be the first to apply scientific methods to excavate and document archaeological sites in countries like ours. . Thanks to the studies initiated by Uhle, the doors were opened for the research on the Nazca to continue.
Who were the Nazca?
The Nazca were a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished on the southern coast of Peru between 200 B.C. and 600 AD Although his best known legacy is the famous Nazca Lines. It is also known for its finely crafted pottery, colorful fabrics, and the practice of cranial deformation. The Nazca were known for their skill in agriculture and the construction of underground aqueducts to irrigate their fields. Although the Nazca culture disappeared around the 7th century AD, its artistic and architectural legacy has survived to this day.
Location of the Nazca culture
The Nazca culture is located on the southern coast of Peru, in an arid and desert area that extends from the city of Nazca to the Acarí valley. This area is known for its fertile soil and the river that runs through it, which allowed for the development of an agricultural culture and the rise of a sophisticated and creative society. In addition, the strategic location of the Nazca culture allowed them to establish commercial contacts with other cultures in the region.
Characteristics of the Nazca culture
One of the main characteristics of the Nazca culture was its art, especially ceramics and the Nazca lines.
Nazca pottery is known for its intricate designs and depiction of human and animal figures. It is believed that this ceramic was used for religious rituals and funeral ceremonies, and is considered one of the most important expressions of the Nazca culture.
On the other hand, the Nazca lines are a set of geoglyphs that represent geometric figures and animals on the soil of the region. These lines are a mystery to archaeologists and scientists, since their purpose and how they were created are not known for certain.
Another of the important characteristics of the Nazca culture was its ability for agriculture and the construction of aqueducts to irrigate their crops. Despite being in a desert region, the Nazcas managed to create a system of underground canals that allowed them to irrigate their crops and maintain an economy based on agriculture. In addition, the Nazca culture developed a hierarchical social organization system and a polytheistic religion based on the worship of nature and the gods of the region.
Religion of the Nazca culture
One of the main gods of the Nazca religion was the sun god, who was revered for his power and his ability to control agricultural cycles. In addition, the Nazca also worshiped other gods such as the goddess of fertility and the god of rain. The practice of human sacrifices was common in the Nazca culture, and it is believed that they were carried out to appease the gods and guarantee the fertility of the land.
One of the greatest expressions of the Nazca religion is found in the famous Nazca lines. These lines are believed to have religious significance and were used for ceremonies and rituals. Although it is not yet known for sure why the Nazcas created these lines, various theories have been put forward, including that they were used as astronomical calendars and as sacred routes for procession walking during religious festivals.
Discover the Nazca lines responsibly: fly over with conscience
If you are planning a trip to Peru, one of the most popular tourist sites is the overflight over the impressive Nazca lines. But before booking your flight, it is important that you know how to do it in a responsible and sustainable way.
Be sure to choose an airline that has a proven track record of safe and sustainable practices. It is also important that you find out about the regulations that apply to Nazca flights and that you respect the established height and time restrictions.
Remember that the Nazca lines are an archaeological treasure that must be protected and preserved for future generations. By flying over with awareness, you are contributing to the preservation of this unique cultural heritage, while enjoying an unforgettable experience.
So, if you are planning an overflight over the Nazca lines, do it in a responsible and sustainable way, so that you can be part of the solution and contribute to the protection of this important cultural heritage.
