The Nazca Civilization

The Nazca people lived in the dry deserts of southern Peru about 2,000 years ago. They were farmers, potters, and weavers. The Nazca are most famous for drawing giant pictures in the ground. These are called the Nazca Lines. You can only see the full pictures from high up in the sky.

The Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are huge drawings made by moving rocks and dirt in the desert. Some show animals like monkeys, birds, spiders, and whales. Others are long straight lines or shapes. The biggest drawings are as long as football fields. No one knows for sure why the Nazca made them.

Daily Life

The Nazca lived in a dry place with very little rain. They built underground channels to bring water to their crops. They grew beans, corn, and cotton. The Nazca made beautiful pots painted with bright colors. They also wove fine cloth with detailed patterns.

Fun Facts

• The Nazca Lines were made over 1,500 years ago.
• The hummingbird drawing is about 300 feet long.
• The dry desert air helps keep the lines from washing away.

Did You Know?

People only noticed how amazing the Nazca Lines were when airplanes started flying over them in the 1920s.