Dozens of circular geoglyphs have been mapped by archaeologists in Peru, near the ancient town and archaeological site of Quilcapampa. The glyphs have been dated to between 1050 and 1400 AD, and are believed to reflect the movements of trade routes by the ancient peoples.
According to LiveScience, the geoglyphs are comprised of many lines and rings within rings at the ancient site of Quilcampampa in the Sihuas Valley.
Archaeologists have identified and mapped dozens of the geoplyphs using unmanned aerial drones and satellite imagery, in addition to ground surveys. Many of the circles can be seen from the ground, but the larger ones are better seen from far above, as is the case with the famous Nazca lines of Peru.
Circular geoglyphs recorded at Quilcapampa. This one features an irregular pattern of many rings. (Credit: Justin Jennings)
Research team leader Justin Jennings, a curator at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto spoke with LiveScience. He said that many of the geoglyphs have been dated to the Late Intermediate Period, and at that time Quilcapampa was a trade hub supporting a 70-hectare (173 acre) settlement.