Nasca is one of the most famous places in Peru if not entire South America. The Nasca culture developed as a result of disintegration of Paracas culture in 200 AD. The most valuable remnants include well preserved ceramics often decorated with representations of everyday life, plants, animals, musical instruments, clothes etc. However, the most famous are the Nasca Lines - huge geometric designs drawn in the desert and visible from only from the air. The origin of the lines in not completely explained, however thanks to the efforts of Maria Reiche, a German mathematician, it is believed that they were made by the Paracas and Nasca cultures during the period of 900 BC to 600 AD. She considers the lines to be an astronomical calendar for agricultures purposes. Other explanations include ceremonial significance or extraterrestrial origin as suggested by Erich von Daniken. |
