Artificial intelligence has made significant strides in archaeology, particularly in solving the mystery of the Nazca Lines in Peru. Researchers from Yamagata University's Institute of Nazca and IBM scientists collaborated to develop an AI system that can analyze massive swaths of aerial imagery, identifying previously hidden geoglyphs.
This innovative approach has led to the discovery of 303 new geoglyphs in just six months, doubling the known total. The AI-assisted discovery suggests that many geoglyphs were part of ritual walkways, where individuals would walk along the lines to engage with the landscape and commune with the gods.
The use of AI in archaeology has vast potential for exploring other archaeological sites, including underwater ruins, burial mounds, and shipwrecks. By processing large datasets and identifying patterns that might have gone unnoticed by the human eye, AI can significantly accelerate the discovery process and provide more precise interpretations of historical data.
As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in uncovering the secrets of the past and shedding light on the lives of ancient civilizations.
