The Nazca Lines in Peru—massive geoglyphs carved by the Nazca civilization. Their purpose remains a mystery, but their scale and precision continue to astonish archaeologists around the world. (www.utubepublisher.in)
from IamNobuddy@lemmy.world to archaeology@mander.xyz on 30 May 14:28
https://lemmy.world/post/30497028

#archaeology

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acockworkorange@mander.xyz on 30 May 16:02 next collapse

I thought the work of Maria Reiche in linking the figures and runways with celestial constellations and the seasons was generally accepted as the most likely explanations for the glyphs.

meyotch@slrpnk.net on 30 May 16:25 collapse

The best theory I have ever heard, in terms of it being the most realistic scenario, is that the real reason was to keep a disciplined army busy between conflicts.

Under this idea, the occasional alignment to specific stars or celestial events is real, but not the real utility. The real utility is keeping a standing army ready during a period of empire building.

I always tend to favor historical hypotheses that use realpolitik.