Maria Reiche

Maria Reiche was a German mathematician and archaeologist renowned for studying and preserving the Nazca Lines in Peru. These are large, intricate geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, depicting animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Reiche dedicated her life to documenting, protecting, and understanding these mysterious figures, believing they held astronomical and cultural significance for the ancient Nazca people. Her meticulous work helped ensure the preservation of this UNESCO World Heritage site, making her a key figure in archaeological conservation and South American archaeological history.