Abstract: Sacred Spaces and Human Sacrifice: The Nasca Lines in their Cultural and Religious Context

Lecturer: Christina Conlee

The Nasca Lines of southern Peru have long been an enigma for archaeologists and lay people alike. Many theories have been proposed about what they were used for and why they were constructed. In the last 20 years archaeologists have learned much more about the ancient Nasca people and we are now able to understand the lines as an important part of their religion. These were sacred places where ceremonies were performed and offerings were made to ensure fertility and the continuation of society.