A team of researchers from Yamagata University in Japan announced this week that they have identified 24 new geoglyphs in Nazca, Peru, site of the UNESCO World Heritage Nazca lines.
The newly found geoglyphs are smaller than their famous peers, but estimated to be several centuries older.
The more famous Nazca geoglyphs are estimated to have been created between 400 and 650 AD with the largest spanning 270 meters (890 feet), while the newly discovered images date from 400-200 BC and range from just five to 20 meters (16-66 feet).
These smaller glyphs were carved into the side of hills so they could be clearly seen at the time of their creation.
Over time, natural and human erosion have degraded the lines of the artwork, making them difficult to spot, but the team used a 3-D scanner and photos to locate them. However, some are only partially visible and it’s difficult to tell what they are supposed to represent. Others are clearly llamas, an animal almost synonymous with the Andes.
The university has been studying the Nazca lines since 2004, setting up a full research center in Peru in 2012. Including 17 new geoglyphs found last year, the Japanese team has discovered 41 previously unknown glyphs in the area.
With the site just 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the expanding city of Nazca and in an area where mining takes place, the research team is now calling for conservation measures to preserve these new discoveries and protect the area for further research.
Source: Yamagata University via Mainichi Shimbun
Images: Yamagata University
First new Japanese cockroach species in 35 years discovered by scientists【Photos】
New mineral discovered in Japan named after the goddess of the sun
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Bizarre Japanese vending machine sells “Peace and Equality” and “Angels and Demons”
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
The story of our reporter P.K. Sanjun’s heart attack
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa