Geoglyphs similar to the Nazca Lines have been discovered in the Chincha Valley, the cradle of Afro-Peruvian culture found south of Lima in Ica, the same desert coastal department as the more famous Nazca Lines. They extend over an area of 40km2 and consist of linear geoglyphs, circular figures marked by rocks, and ceremonial mounds or settlements. The straight lines converge over the mounds, forming groupings or aves which in turn contain numerous segments of paired lines.
A team of archeologists directed by UCLA's Charles Stanish have concluded that these lines predate the Nazca Lines by three centuries. According to ceramic artifacts unearthed during the excavation of three of the 2,300 year old mounds, the site dates back to the Late Paracas era (800BC-100BC).
At least two U-shaped structures appear to have marked the position of the setting sun during the southern hemisphere's winter solstice, which occurs each June. It's believed that the majority of the lines were used to mark the dates of recurring events which called for cultural events or ceremonies and to serve as the settings for these ceremonies. Some lines, however, resemble pathways.
