Giant drawings in the earth remain a mystery

THE Nazca Lines are giant desert drawings spanning 190 square miles that are believed to have been created between AD 400 and 650.

They comprise hundreds of figures, some up to nearly 900ft across, including hummingbirds, monkeys, fish, sharks, llamas and lizards.

It is not known why the drawings were made but they are thought to have religious significance - they are on a scale visible to the gods above.

The geometric shapes may indicate the flow of water or relate to rituals to summon water. Several animal and plant drawings, such as of spiders and birds, may be fertility symbols.

Experts have also suggested a range of other interpretations, such as the lines denoting irrigation schemes or giant astronomical calendars.

The Nazca people are thought to have used simple tools, such as wooden stakes, and surveying equipment to draw the lines. They removed the reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles of the Nazca desert to expose the lighter coloured earth beneath.

The drawings have been preserved by the dry, windless and stable climate of the plateau.