By: Armando ÁvalosArchaeological research in Peru has made a historic leap thanks to the aid of artificial intelligence (AI), as demonstrated by work conducted in recent years at the
Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs Archaeological Reserve in Ica region, home to the world-famous Nasca Lines and Geoglyphs.
Andina News Agency held an exclusive interview with Dr. Masato Sakai.
The academician stated that the integration of technologies such as satellite analysis, high-resolution aerial imagery, and AI algorithms has transformed the way the Nasca Lines are studied.
"With artificial intelligence, we have discovered more than 500 new figures, and we still have over 600 candidates to analyze. It is possible that we could exceed 1,000 figures," he asserted.
During the exhibit, he revealed that field studies conducted in 2023 and 2024, supported by AI, led to the discovery of a total of 248 new geoglyphs.
Three stages in Nasca research
The Japanese researcher explained to Andina News Agency that the study of the lines has gone through three phases.
"In the first, during Maria Reiche's era, around 30 figures were identified through direct field observation," he indicated.
Subsequently, with the introduction of satellite imagery and drones, the number exceeded 400 figures.
"Finally, since 2022, the use of artificial intelligence has made it possible to detect an additional 500 figures, thanks to the automated processing of thousands of aerial photographs with a resolution of 10 centimeters," the expert underlined.
"Manually searching for figures across the entire plain would have taken more than five years. AI allows us to locate patterns and reduce analysis time. It is like replacing the human eye with a technological eye that can see beyond the obvious," he highlighted.
Small figures and hidden reliefs
One of the most surprising revelations of the research's new stage is the discovery of small figures, measuring between 8 and 10 meters in length, located near ancient pathways.
Masato Sakai stated that, unlike the traditional linear geoglyphs—such as the hummingbird or the monkey—these new representations are relief-type, formed by alternating light and dark areas of the terrain, depicting human figures, llamas, and other animals.
"These reliefs were located alongside the pathways. While walking, one can see a sequence of figures, as if they were conveying a message. We believe that each path had its own meaning," he indicated.
The researcher affirmed that while the large figures, over 100 meters in length, were associated with community ceremonies linked to the pilgrimage to the Cahuachi ceremonial center, the small figures may have been created by family groups, reflecting a more intimate level of the ritual.
A new look at the past
Sakai stated that AI use not only accelerates discoveries but also opens new possibilities for archaeological interpretation.
He specified that the detected patterns allow for a better understanding of the ancient Nasca people's territorial and spiritual organization, as well as their close relationship with the Paracas culture, from which they inherited ritual and symbolic practices.
The Japanese researcher —who has been studying the Nasca Lines for over 20 years— also highlighted the pioneering role of Maria Reiche, whom he visited in 1994 and considered essential for her work in protecting and studying the lines.
"Without Maria Reiche's work, we would not have reached this point. She dedicated her life to preserving and studying the plains. We are only continuing her legacy with new tools," he expressed.
Future of research
Dr. Sakai and his team from the Nazca Institute at Yamagata University plan to continue their work in the coming years. More than 500 potential figure locations still await field verification.
Additionally, the team is working on a new AI application that not only identifies geoglyphs but also interprets their symbolic and social function.
"We want artificial intelligence not only to detect figures but also to help us understand the messages conveyed by each set of geoglyphs," he disclosed.
Masato Sakai participated in the Lecture Series on Archaeology and Anthropology organized by the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the National University of San Marcos in Lima on November 6. He presented his work on the Nasca Lines.
(END) AAE/MAO/MVB
Published: 11/10/2025