An airport at this South American city is named for archaeologist Maria Reiche, who was known as the “lady of the lines”
On the October 23, 2025, episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “South America”, with the clue: “An airport at this South American city is named for archaeologist Maria Reiche, who was known as the ‘lady of the lines.’”
What is Nazca?
Nazca, located in southern Peru, is internationally known for the Nazca Lines—an extraordinary series of ancient geoglyphs etched into the arid desert floor. These massive designs, which include animals, plants, and geometric patterns, are believed to have been created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE. Spanning hundreds of square kilometers, the full beauty and scale of these lines can only be appreciated from the air.
The Nazca Lines have long puzzled historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike. Their purpose remains a subject of debate, with theories ranging from astronomical calendars to religious or ceremonial functions. Because of their cultural and archaeological significance, the lines were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Maria Reiche: Guardian of the Geoglyphs
The clue references Maria Reiche, a German-born archaeologist and mathematician who dedicated her life to studying and preserving the Nazca Lines. Moving to Peru in the 1930s, Reiche became fascinated by the massive designs after working with American historian Paul Kosok. She eventually took it upon herself to map, photograph, and interpret the lines in detail.
Often referred to as the “Lady of the Lines,” Reiche spent decades safeguarding the geoglyphs, even funding preservation efforts with her own money. She campaigned vigorously to protect the site from damage due to roads, settlements, and modern encroachments. Thanks to her tireless work, the Nazca Lines gained global attention and were preserved as a major archaeological wonder.
Maria Reiche Neuman Airport: A Lasting Tribute
In honor of her contributions, the local airport in Nazca was renamed the Maria Reiche Neuman Airport. Though small in scale, the airport serves as a gateway for tourists who come to see the Nazca Lines from the air. Flights from the airport provide aerial tours that allow visitors to experience the grandeur of the geoglyphs, just as Reiche herself did in her research.
The naming of the airport is a fitting tribute to a woman whose legacy is permanently linked to the preservation of these ancient artworks. Reiche’s work not only protected the lines but also advanced our understanding of pre-Columbian cultures in Peru.
Why the Clue Matters
This Final Jeopardy clue highlighted not only a significant South American location but also a woman whose scientific passion left a lasting impact. It required players to make the connection between a Peruvian city, the famous geoglyphs, and the archaeologist who helped bring them to international prominence.
Nazca’s name may be familiar to those interested in ancient civilizations, but linking it with Maria Reiche added an extra layer of depth to the clue. Her legacy continues in the research she left behind and in the very airfield that bears her name—serving as a constant reminder of how one person’s dedication can help preserve an entire chapter of human history.
Conclusion
The October 23 Final Jeopardy round offered a compelling blend of geography, history, and biography. Through this clue, the show paid tribute to Maria Reiche’s enduring impact on South American archaeology and the city of Nazca’s global significance. It’s a reminder that behind every landmark or discovery, there’s often a passionate individual whose work ensures the past is not forgotten