The Nazca Lines are a collection of large geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert of southern Peru. These ancient lines consist of hundreds of figures ranging from simple lines and geometric shapes to intricate depictions of animals, plants, and imaginary beings. The lines were created by removing the top layer of reddish-brown iron oxide-coated pebbles to reveal a yellow-grey subsoil, creating stark contrasts visible from the surrounding foothills and the air but not from the ground level.

The Nazca Lines were crafted by the Nazca people, an ancient pre-Columbian culture that flourished from around 100 BC to 800 AD. The purpose of these geoglyphs remains largely speculative, with theories suggesting they served religious or astronomical purposes, or as a part of rituals to summon water. The dry, windless, and stable climate of the Nazca Desert has helped preserve these lines for 1,500 to 2,000 years.

One of the most famous figures among the Nazca Lines is the Hummingbird. Located near the highway between Nazca and Palpa, this figure is approximately 93 meters long and is admired for its clear and precise lines, which create the distinct shape of a hummingbird with spread wings and a long beak.

The work of Maria Reiche, a German mathematician and archaeologist, has been instrumental in the study and preservation of the Nazca Lines. Arriving in Peru in the 1940s, Reiche dedicated over 50 years of her life to studying, protecting, and promoting the Nazca Lines. She developed theories about their astronomical and calendrical significance and worked tirelessly to gain recognition for the geoglyphs. Reiche's efforts were key in helping to preserve these ancient figures and in raising awareness about their cultural importance. Her commitment earned her the nickname "The Lady of the Lines."