The Nazca Lines are a series of enormous geoglyphs etched into the high desert plateau of southern Peru. Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these designs include simple lines, geometric shapes, and stylized figures of animals such as spiders, hummingbirds, and monkeys. The lines were made by removing the dark reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles that cover the desert surface to reveal the light-colored sand beneath. Because of the extremely dry, windless climate, these lines have remained intact for nearly 2,000 years. Their purpose remains a subject of debate; theories range from astronomical calendars to sacred paths used in water-related rituals. Interestingly, many of the designs can only be fully appreciated from the air, a fact that has led to much speculation about how the ancient Nazca planned and executed such large-scale works with such precision from the ground.