Author's Opinion (Nazca Lines)

Some people think that the Nazca Lines are related to astronomy. Astronomy is the study of objects in the sky, such as planets or stars. One twentieth-century scientist stated that some of the animal drawings looked like constellations. She thought that the Nazca people drew patterns to match the stars in the sky.

Author's Opinion: The Nazca Lines are patterns that match the constellations.

Please type one supporting detail that fits with the author's opinion.

What is Astronomy?

Another scientist agreed that the lines were related to the stars. He believed the lines were a giant calendar. He noticed that the sun set over one group of lines on the first day of winter each year. Noticing that sunrise and sunset lined up with different lines during the year, he decided that the Nazca used the lines to keep track of the months and seasons. By following the movements of the sun and stars, they knew when to plant and harvest crops.

Author's Opinion: The Nazca Lines are a giant calendar.

Please type one supporting detail that fits with the author's opinion.

Archaeologists have studied fossils near the Nazca Lines. They have discovered piles of rocks at the ends of some of the lines. They think the piles were altars. People could leave ceremonial gifts there. The archaeologists have found seashell fossils near the altars. They think that the shells were used in rituals, or ceremonies. The Nazca believed that if their ceremonies were successful, they would get more water. Unfortunately, the Nazca ceremonies did not bring water. Eventually the Nazca people died out.

Author's Opinion: The Nazca Lines were cermonial paths used for water.

Please type one supporting detail that fits with the author's opinion.