Horizon Season 2000 Episode 2 The Lost City of Nasca

In this episode of Horizon, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the ancient civilization of the Nasca people who lived in Peru more than 2,000 years ago. The Nasca are known for their remarkable stone constructions and incredibly detailed geoglyphs that can only be seen from high up in the sky.

The episode begins with an overview of the Nasca culture and their many mysterious traditions, such as skull deformation and the use of hallucinogenic drugs. The Nasca civilization was a complex society that thrived in the region for hundreds of years before its decline.

To get a deeper understanding of the Nasca people, the show features interviews with archaeologists, anthropologists, and other experts who have spent decades studying the culture and its artifacts. Many of these experts are based in Peru and have been working to uncover the mysteries of the Nasca civilization through painstaking archaeological digs and scientific analysis.

Throughout the episode, viewers are shown some of the most impressive Nasca constructions, including stone aqueducts, irrigation channels, and cemeteries. Special attention is given to the famous Nasca Lines, which are gigantic geoglyphs that stretch across the desert floor for miles. The lines, which depict animals, humans, and other figures, can only be truly appreciated from the air, but the show features remarkable footage shot from drones and helicopters to give viewers an up-close look at these colossal designs.

Despite the beauty and ingenuity of the Nasca constructions, the episode also explores some of the darker aspects of their society. For example, the practice of skull deformation was likely used as a way to signify social status, but it also resulted in severe health problems and even death. Additionally, the Nasca civilization was eventually conquered by the Wari people, who brought with them new influences and customs that likely contributed to the eventual decline of the Nasca way of life.

Overall, this episode of Horizon offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Nasca people and their remarkable civilization. By showcasing some of the most impressive constructions and geoglyphs, as well as highlighting the many challenges faced by archaeologists and other experts studying the Nasca culture, viewers gain a renewed respect for this ancient society and its contributions to human history.