Peru's ancient lounging cat geoglyph was discovered after centuries
Peru has long been famous for its giant drawings created by ancient people. A recent discovery from 2020 showcases an image of a reclining cat. Scientists estimate this work to be over 2,000 years old, adding to Peru's rich history of geoglyphs.
Geoglyphs, the specific term for describing these drawings, have been unearthed around Nazca in Peru. These ancient artworks depict humans, animals, or even hands. In 1994, UNESCO listed these geoglyphs as World Heritage Sites.
The latest geoglyph identified around Nazca is the aforementioned cat, discovered in 2020. The "lounging" animal on the steep mountainside measures about 37 metres in length and, according to scientists, was created around 2,000 years ago, most likely around 200 B.C.
Previously, they could not see it
Although the drawing of the giant cat had existed in Peru for hundreds of years, it had previously gone unnoticed. Discovering the entire work required thorough cleaning and conservation. The development of technology, especially drones, has been significant for archaeologists, allowing for more detailed observations.
Johny Isla, cited by the Peruvian news agency Andina, noted, "It might seem surprising that new designs are still being found, but we know there are more out there." He explained that "in the last few years, the use of drones, which enable us to take images of the sides of hills, makes that possible."
Where did these types of drawings in Peru come from? Over the years, numerous theories have emerged, ranging from the presence of aliens on Earth to connections with the mythical Atlantis. Czech researcher Jiri Mruzek believes some geoglyphs may be related to Atlantis, pointing to a set of lines in Nazca as clues to its location.
The most likely explanation for why the ancient people of Peru created these drawings is the cult of mountain gods associated with water. Nazca is an arid area, so the people who lived there might have drawn animals and other symbols as part of their prayers and offerings to the gods.
After the latest discovery in 2020, scientists expressed concerns about the development of surrounding cities. Archaeologists worry that urbanization may disrupt archaeological work and negatively affect yet-to-be-discovered geoglyphs.
