The Nazca Lines aerial-survey puzzle

Record summary

Systematic aerial observation and mapping of the Nazca geoglyphs in the mid-twentieth century transformed scattered desert markings into a major archaeological problem. Their scale prompted popular claims that they were runways, landing sites or messages for extraterrestrials. Archaeological and experimental research instead links many lines and figures to ritual movement, water, pilgrimage and landscape practice, although specific functions remain debated. The lead is valuable for comparing remote-sensing evidence with interpretation, and for tracing how Maria Reiche’s work shaped public understanding.