Us humans have a tendency to see patterns where there is randomness, and to create order out of the chaos of our universe. So sometimes, we see things that aren’t necessarily there. Sometimes, though, they really are there and it is astonishing.

A pilot flying over the Nazca desert in Peru has discovered huge geoglyphs that are believed to be nearly 2,000 years old — and may shed new light on the ancient Nazca people.

The “Nazca lines” were apparently exposed by recent sandstorms in the area and include a snakelike figure roughly 200 feet long, a huge zigzag line, and a giant bird.

Pilot and researcher Eduardo Herrán Gómez de la Torre, who made the discovery in late July, told the Peruvian newspaper El Comercio that the designs might have been created by the Paracas, a prehistoric culture that ruled southern Peru from around 800 B.C. to 100 B.C., predating the Nazca culture, which ruled the region from 100 B.C. to 800 A.D. The Paracas were known for their exquisite art and textiles.

While scholars contacted by El Comerico said they suspected the geoglyphs were created during the transition period between the Paracas and Nazca cultures, archaeologists still need to confirm the origin of the designs.

The reason and function of these incredible relics is hotly debated and while some believe it was for astronomical purposes, other believe it had more to do with marking sacred spots.

What do you think?

Check out The Huffington Post for more details.