🧠 The Final Jeopardy Clue

“An airport at this South American city is named for archaeologist Maria Reiche, who was known as the ‘lady of the Lines.’”

Today’s Jeopardy! clue brings us to one of the world’s most mysterious archaeological sites: the home of the famous Nazca Lines in southern Peru. This clue isn’t just about geography — it honors the legacy of a woman whose work preserved one of humanity’s great ancient wonders.

🛫 Who Was Maria Reiche?

Maria Reiche was a German-born archaeologist and mathematician who dedicated over 40 years of her life to studying and preserving the Nazca Lines. Known affectionately as the “Lady of the Lines,” she meticulously mapped, cleaned, and protected the massive geoglyphs etched into the Peruvian desert.

Her tireless efforts helped the world recognize the cultural significance of these mysterious figures — some stretching hundreds of feet across the ground and only fully visible from above. Because of her work, the Nazca Lines were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The Nazca Airport was named in her honor: Maria Reiche Neuman Airport, commemorating a lifetime of dedication to understanding and safeguarding this ancient wonder.

🌄 The Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are an extraordinary collection of giant geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert of southern Peru. Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, these lines form shapes of animals, plants, and geometric figures.

Among the most famous figures are the hummingbird, monkey, spider, and condor — some spanning hundreds of feet. The exact purpose of the Nazca Lines remains a mystery, though theories range from astronomical calendars to ceremonial pathways.

Thanks to Reiche’s preservation efforts, visitors from around the world can take scenic flights over Nazca to marvel at the precision and scale of these ancient artworks.