About the Nazca People & the Surrounding Area

Inhabiting and developing what is known as the Nazca Region of modern Peru today, the Nazca people established a culture based on influences and values of the Paracas culture, which predated them. It is estimated that their culture began around 1100 BC and after an extended prolific period, succumbed to the aftermath of natural devastation (extensive flooding) around 750 AD. Akin to many early civilisations, the life of the Nazca society revolved around agriculture, which determined its religious beliefs (the worship of nature-related deities) as well as its crafts and arts, many remaining items depicting animals and other important features of the natural environment.

Aside from the Nazca lines, which were laboriously created in the Nazca Desert and are now a worldwide famous attraction, the Nazca people are known for their ingenious underground aqueduct system and their very elaborate textiles, the weaving techniques being passed down through generations until present day. As well as their textiles, their ceramics were decorated with various agricultural motifs and many were preserved in perfect condition.

The pampa, which comprises the Nazca Desert, is a vast flat surface measuring roughly 450 square kilometres, being situated at a distance of approximately 400 kilometres from the Peruvian capital, Lima. If you're travelling to Peru and have an interest in the Nazca culture, a key place to visit would be the Ceremonial City of Cahuachi, located southwest of the city of Nazca, at a distance of 28 kilometres. The city of Cahuachi was the capital of the Nazca society, as it benefitted from favourable natural conditions such as underground irrigation sources. Also, near the city of Nazca, which offers the chance to participate in a number of activities, the Chauchilla cemetery is the resting place of Nazca mummies and other ancient human remains. More in-depth information can be obtained at the Museo Didattico Antonini, located in the city of Nazca.