Geoglyphs (land pictures) are usually large artworks that have been etched
into the landscape and are best viewed from above.. Britain is one of the
few countries in the world that has excellent examples of the ancient art
form. These are the top ten geoglyph sites - three of which are in the
United Kingdom. All of these geoglyphs can be seen using Google Earth.
Courtesy: Britain Explorer [image: The Top Ten Geoglyphs - UK & The
World]
The Uffington White Horse [image: 1]Oxfordshire, England - C. 1,000 BC
[image: uffington-white-horse]
*THE UFFINGTON WHITE HORSE *
Uffington White Horse Geoglyph
THE UFFINGTON WHITE HORSE
Location: Nr. Uffington, Oxfordshire, England, UK
Created: c. 1000 BC
Length: 105.5m / Width: 29.5m / Trench Depth: 92cm
Located near to the village of Uffington in Oxfordshire, England, is one of
the oldest and most famous geoglyphs in the world. Using modern OSL dating
it is calculated that it was created around 1,000BC.
The figure is believed to be that of a stylised running horse although a
review of the original head structure and curvature of the legs has caused
some researchers to suggest that it actually a represents a large cat from
the lion or leopard family. However, as early references from Abbingdon
Abbey, which date back to 1072 AD, refer to the area where it is found as
"Mons Albi Equi" (Hill-White-Equine) it is generally accepted to be a
horse. What is most remarkable is that the figure was created by carving
through turf to reveal the white chalk underneath. As such it requires
regular maintenance or it will disappear within 150 years. This means there
has been an unbroken chain of people prepared to look after this
prehistoric monument for 3,000 years. (Carving in turf to reveal underlying
chalk with additional trenches)
------------------------------
Cerne Abbas Giant [image: 1]England - c. 183 AD / c. 1650 AD
[image: cerne-abbas-giant-geoglyph]
*CERNE ABBAS GIANT / RUDE MAN OF CERNE*
Location: Cerne Abbas, Dorset, England, UK
Created: 183 AD or c.1650 AD
Length: 55m / Width: 50.5m / Trench Depth: 30cm
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the Rude Man of Cerne, this huge British geoglyph depicts a
naked and priapic man holding a primitive club in his right hand. It is 55
metres in length and 50.5 metres wide if measured from hand to hand. The
geoglyph was created by carving through the turf of the hillside to a depth
of approximately 30cm to reveal the underlying chalk common in this region.
The figure is located close to the village of Cerne Abbas in Dorset,
England. The date that it was made is uncertain. According to the National
Trust there is no record of the Cerne Abbas Giant before 1694 and in 1774,
a local historian, the Rev. John Hutchins attributed its creation to the
owner of the land Lord Holles.
Some of the features of the geoglyph have been lost over time and tests
have shown that its left hand probably once clutched a severed head.
Theories about what it represents range from a political caricature of
Oliver Cromwell to an ancient fertility symbol. Features of the Giant are
reminiscent of the hero Hercules and this has led to speculation that it
may have started as a classical representation and over time the originally
smaller genitals were combined with the giant's navel (belly button) to
create the very masculine figure of today. A significant group of
researchers believe that the figure dates back to the time of Emperor
Marcus Aurelius Commodus who is recorded as being a great believer in the
cult of Hercules to the point of including the hero's name in his own. Some
say that the Roman Governor of Britain, Ulpius Marcellus may have
commissioned the original carving in 183 AD as a tribute to the Emperor.
(Carving in turf to reveal underlying chalk)
------------------------------
THE LONG MAN OF WILMINGTON[image: 1]England - C. 1690 AD
[image: long-man-wilmington-geoglyph]
*THE LONG MAN OF WILMINGTON*
(Possibly an Anglo Saxon War God)
Location: Wilmington, East Sussex, England, UK
Created: c. 1690 AD or earlier
Length: 70m / Width: 36.5m / Trench Depth: 30cm
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Located near to the town of Wilmington in the South Downs (hills) of East
Sussex, England, the 'Long Man' is a turf-cut figure of a man holding two
staves. Historians are uncertain when it was created with estimates ranging
from around 1690 AD to as early as 2,000 BC.
With a length of seventy metres it is the tallest anthropomorphic geoglyph
in Europe. Over the years aspects of the Long Man of Wilmington have
changed. Drawings made by William Burrell in 1766 show that it once held a
rake and a scythe although these were probably modifications made after
1710 when the figure was recorded by John Rowley as having facial features
and a helmut. In this case the staves were probably once spears.
It is considered a sacred site by Pagans and was probably a representation
of an Anglo Saxon war god. Local residents of Wilmington are said to
believe that it is prehistoric dating back to the Neolithic period. In 2010
a large phallus was painted on to the figure similar to that of the Cerne
Abbas Giant. This was swiftly removed. (Carving in turf to reveal
underlying chalk)
------------------------------
THE SAJAMA LINESBolivia - C. 900 BC
[image: geoglyphs-sajama-lines]
*THE NEVADO SAJAMA AND GEOGLYPHS*
Location: Nr. Nevado Sajama, Jancoaque, Bolivia
Created: Started c. 900 BC
Individual lines: To 25 km / Collective Length: Est. 16,000km
Total Area: 22,525 Square Kilometres
Although they are now hard to see from ground level, and do not depict
anything recognisable, the lines etched into the landscape of the Sajama
region of Bolivia are almost certainly the largest geoglyphs in the world.
Collectively the lines measure in excess of 160,000m and cover an area of
22,525 square kilometres.
They are incredibly straight even across uneven and rugged terrain and form
a network of geometric shapes that tend to intersect at shrines, burial
towers and small villages. This pattern has led archaeologists to speculate
that they probably had a religious significance.
The lines were constructed by removing the dark upper layer of soil to
expose the lighter substrate beneath. These geoglyphs were discovered by
western explorer-travellers in the late 1920's and the earliest written
account in English was made in 1931(33) by Swiss Professor Aimé Felix
Tschiffely who rose to fame after riding on horseback from to Argentina to
Washington DC. (Removal of surface soil to reveal lighter substrate)
------------------------------
PARACAS CANDELABRAParacas Peninsular, Peru - C. 200BC
[image: paracas-candelabra-geoglyph]
*THE PARACAS CANDELABRA*
Location: Pisco Bay, Paracas Peninsular, Peru
Created: c. 200 BC
Length: 182m / Width: 76.5m / Trench Depth: 61cm
(Excavation of sandy soil later edged with stones)
*Viewed North to South *
Candelabra
Jimson Weed
Cactus
Tree of Life
Trident
*Viewed South to North *
Draped Crucifix
Spaceship / Rocket
The Paracas Candelabra is a geoglyph excavated on a sandy hillside
overlooking Pisco bay on the Paracas peninsular of central eastern Chile.
It is almost perfectly aligned north to south and can be seen up to 19
kilometres (12miles) out to sea.
Based on pottery found in the area it is believed to be the work of the
pre-Incan Paracas peoples. There is much debate regarding what it
represents as it is unlikely that such highly stylised candelabra were in
use during the period of its construction. Visually it is similar to some
examples of the Atacama Giant Cactus - even down to the fruiting buds.
Author Frank Joseph states with certainty that it is a representation of a
narcotic plant known as Jimson Weed. Some claim it's a trident while others
suggest it was a landmark built by ancient sailors to help them locate a
harbour. Local guides often refer to it as (Candelabro de Tres Brazos) The
'Candelabra with Three Arms' or even 'The Sign of the Three Crosses"
although this is likely to have been adopted after the arrival of the
Spanish.
It is generally considered unlikely that this geoglyph is related to the
mysterious Nazca Lines located only 160 kilometres to the south west of
Paracas. It is remarkable that the design has survived as long as it has
given that the word Paracas actually refers to high winds and sandstorms -
some of which can last for up to three days.
Traditionally the geoglyph is viewed north to south and from the coast.
However, if the design is viewed from the hilltop, it can look like a
crucifix supported by two diagonal struts and draped with hanging cloths.
It looks as if it will remain a mystery for the foreseeable future.
------------------------------
THE NAZCA LINESPeru - C. 500 AD
[image: nazca-geoglyph-ant]
*THE NAZCA LINES / SPIDER*
Location: Pampas de Jumana, Nazca Desert, Peru
Created: 400 AD to 650 AD
Average Trench Depth: 10cm - 30cm
KEY GEOGLYPHS:
Spider, New World Monkey, Hummingbird, Astronaut, Condor, Heron, Pelican,
Dog, Orca, Shark, Llamas, The Hands, Lizard, Guaney Bird, Flamingo, Parrot,
Huarango Tree, The trapezium, The Spiral, Alligator, Sea plants, shells,
mushroom & Catfish(?)
PLEASE NOTE:
It is important to note that some of the geoglyphs have more than one name
and local maps purporting to show the locations of the drawings can be very
inaccurate.
The World's most famous geoglyphs are probably the pictograms and lines
etched into the Pampas de Jumana in Peru. Recognised as the ancient nation
that managed to 'green' a desert, the Nazca were also skilled artists and
craftsmen who decorated not only their pots and clothing with fascinating
designs but the entire arid plateau where they lived.
>From 400 AD to about 650 AD the Nazca etched countless lines and pictures
into the plateau by the simple process of scraping away the upper layer of
reddish soil and pebbles to reveal the lighter substrate underneath.
The first European to recognise the Lines was American anthropologist,
Alfred Kroeber in 1926. The extraordinary scale of the drawings was first
identified by Paul Kosok during the early 1930's. However, the real
exploration of the area was undertaken by his one time assistant Maria
Reiche. Originally a German mathematician, She dedicated her life to
studying the Nazca and was the first person to identify a creature in 1946
which turned out to be a gigantic spider. Since then hundreds of lines and
more than 30 animals have been recorded including an orca, a new world
monkey, fish, sharks, llamas and several types of bird.
The fact that the geoglyphs can only truly be seen from above has led to
significant speculation that the Nazca had access to some form of aircraft.
Some even more sensationalist writers have claimed that these were meant to
be seen by extra terrestrials. Mainstream archaeologists believe that they
were created for a religious purpose most likely connected to water and its
importance to the agricultural survival of the Nazca. (Etchings created by
the removal of reddish pebbles and soil to reveal lighter substrate)
------------------------------
THE ATACAMA GIANTChile - C. 8,000 - 1,400 AD
[image: atacama-giant-geoglyph]
*THE ATACAMA GIANT*
(Gigante de Tarapacá.)
Possible representation of a Shaman
Location: Nr. Huara, Atacama Desert, Chile
Created: c. 900 AD
Length: 86m / Width: 35.5m / Trench Depth: 10cm
(Removal of surface soil to reveal lighter substrate with some stone edging)
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is home to the largest collection of
pictorial geoglyphs yet discovered. In total more than 5,000 examples have
been located and recorded. While many of the figures are of animals and
humans one anthropomorphic geoglyph stands out as a mysterious and
extraordinary example of ancient land art.
Close to the town of Huara and on the eastern slope of Cerro Unita is the
Atacama Giant - a humanoid yet robot-like figure apparently created in the
Lluta style which tends to have long narrow legs combined with a square
head. At 86 metres in length (not the 115m often quoted) it is the largest
human-like ancient geoglyph in the world and 31 metres longer than the
Cerne Abbas Giant. It is believed to be a representation of a pre-Incan
shaman and is said to be holding a medicine bag and arrow (quill). The
square face may be a stylised representation of a jaguar mask. Experts have
estimated that it dates from between 800 and 1400 AD with the most likely
date being c. 900 AD. According to some sources the lines extending from
the top of the giant's head represent magical rays and can be used as an
astronomical calendar to predict seasons and rainfall. It is also known
locally as the Gigante de Tarapacá. "It is worth noting that similarity
between the Atacama Giant and an alien in a space suit continues to be the
subject of much debate. The key point is that the ancient artists
accurately represented other creatures they drew so why is the 'Giant' so
stylised?"
------------------------------
THE BLYTHE INTAGLIOSCalifornia, USA - C. 1,000 AD
[image: blythe-intaglios]
*THE BLYTHE INTAGLIOS*
(Numerous human and animal figures) Location: Blythe, Riverside County,
California, USA
Created: 1000 AD or earlier
60 Human-like figures
A complex Maze
Animal geoglyphs
Largest Geoglyph - Length: 52m
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
There are very few examples of large human-like geoglyphs and these are
found mainly in Britain and America. A more recent example, the Marree Man,
has appeared in Australia but is probably less than twenty five years old.
This rarity only increases the importance of the Blythe Intaglios.
Located in the Colorado Desert of California and 22km north of Blythe are a
number of enormous figures etched into the ground. The largest is a human
figure approximately 52 metres in length. Known as anthropomorphic
geoglyphs they were probably created by the by Native American Quechan
(Yuma) and Mojave peoples and represent the only collective group of
human-like figures anywhere in the world.
In total there are approximately 60 humanoid figures. In almost all of the
examples studied, the chest and torso has been much more deeply etched than
other parts of the body.
They were first discovered by Europeans in 1932 AD and are believed to have
been created around 1000 AD, but may well be much older. Archaeologists and
historians agree that they are most likely representations of figures from
Yuman mythology. (Removal of stony layer revealing lighter substrate)
------------------------------
THE AMAZON GEOGLYPHSAcre, Boca do Acre, Brazil - C. 1,000 AD
[image: boco-do-acre-geoglyph]
*THE BOCA DO ACRE AMAZON GEOGLYPHS*(Partial example of one geometric
pattern)
Location: Boca do Acre, Brazil
Latitude: 8°50'38.63"S
Longitude: 67°15'11.95"W
Created: c. 1000 AD or earlier
Number of Geoglyphs: 300 plus
Total Site Area: 25,000 Square Kilometres
Trench Depth: Up to 3 metres
Average Pattern Width: 100-150 metres
While most of the world's major geoglyphs were first identified many
decades ago a new and surprising discovery in Brazil has forced scientists
and archaeologists to review their perceptions of pre-Columbian
civilisations. Deforestation of the Amazon jungle, particularly in the
southwest, has revealed hundreds, if not thousands, of previously unknown
geometric geoglyphs that are only visible on satellite images. Circles,
squares and interlinking lines have appeared in numerous places and seem to
be evidence of a previously unknown civilisation that may have numbered
more than 60,000 people.
Hints of these markings first appeared in aerial photographs taken during
the 1970's but it was only when archaeologists started using Google Earth
around 2006 than the true scale of deforestation and the number of
geoglyphs became apparent. Whether they are cosmetic designs or are the
remains of towns and roads must still be confirmed. Of equal importance is
whether the area in which they were built was once open land or were these
shapes carved out of the jungle?
Believed to date back to between 1000 and 600 AD some excellent examples
can be found on Google Earth in the fields around the municipality of Boco
do Acre, Brazil. The total site includes 100's of geometric patterns
probably the remains of deep earthworks related to pre-Columbian human
habitation in the region.
------------------------------
THE MARREE MAN (STUART'S GIANT)South Australia, Australia - C. 1998
[image: marree-man-geoglyph]
*THE MARREE MAN*(Stuart's Giant)
(Anthropomorphic geoglyph of a naked Aboriginal hunter holding a throwing
stick)
Location: Marree, Finnis Springs, South Australia
(Said to be just outside the Woomera Prohibited Area - an Australian
Weapons Testing Facility)
Latitude: 29°31'40.39"S
Longitude: 137°28'7.98"E
Created: 1998 AD
Number of Geoglyphs: 1
Length: 2,616 metres
Width: 2,106 metres
Total Site Area: 5.5+ Square Kilometres
Trench Depth: Up to 20 cm / ploughed soil
The most recently discovered anthropomorphic (human-like) geoglyph is the
Marree Man of Finnis Springs, in the 'outback' of central South Australia.
It is generally considered to be a recently created but fairly accurate
representation of an Aboriginal hunter from the Pitjantjatjara tribe
holding a throwing stick.
The scale of the figure is enormous and is approximately 2,600 meters in
length (not the 4.2 kilometres stated on Wikipedia). It was apparently
discovered on the 26th June 1998 by aircraft charter pilot Mr Trec Smith
and caused a brief but worldwide sensation.
It is believed to have been created by earth moving machinery, possibly a
tractor and plough, coordinated by GPS navigational aids. As with almost
all other geoglyphs it is surrounded by mystery and even 15 years after its
discovery nobody seems to know for certain who made it or why. Allegedly a
sealed bottle was discovered near the site containing a note stating that
the figure was 'Stuart's Giant' along with a small American flag and a
reference to the Branch Davidian Cult.
Another version of the story claims that the name Stuart's Giant was first
provided in an anonymous press release that referred to John McDouall
Stuart a famous Australian explorer who lived between 1815 and 1886 AD.
Other finds near the area linked the geoglyph to a publicity stunt for the
2000 Sydney Summer Olympics. The reality is that even though the creation
of the Marree Man is a recent event it is already surrounded in confusion,
theorising and misrepresented information. The appearance of the figure
also caused significant controversy when local politicians and aboriginal
leaders who condemned the artwork as landscape graffiti, environmental
vandalism and even the desecration of sacred land.
Even though there were many appeals to have the geoglyph enhanced and made
a permanent feature, the area was closed to tourists and the geoglyph is
now slowly eroding away. It is still very faintly visible on Google Earth
satellite images from 2006. At the time of the discovery it was also
claimed that only one track entered and exited the area and that no
footprints or signs of surveying were ever found. Other claims state that
wooden pegs and markers were located along the lines. A buried plaque was
located at the site which stated" In memory of the land they once knew". An
anonymous fax sent in 1999 claimed that the clues to the creator of the
giant figure could be found near the Cerne Abbas Giant, another naked
geoglyph in Dorset England. This never materialised.
The creators of the Marree Man have never been formally identified although
many people believe it is the work of Bardius Goldberg a somewhat wild
artist who died in 2002 from dental septicaemia caused by a bar fight.
------------------------------
PHOTO CREDITS With the exception of the schematic of the Amazon Geoglyphs,
The Cerne Abbas Giant and the artists outline of the Marree Man, all images
have been sourced from Wikimedia Commons. Credits are noted as follows: 1.
NASA, 2. CH Images, 3. Charles Gadbois, 4. Curious Britain, 5. Colegota, 6.
Unreferenced, 7. Unreferenced, 8. Curious Britain, 9. P Brophy, 10. Curious
Britain
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