Stretching from Syria to Saudi Arabia, thousands of ancient geoglyphs built from stone stretch across the desert plains. Known as the “works of old men”, some display a kite-like structure while others have wheel-like designs. Similar to the Nazca Lines of Peru, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with much diversity between structures. A stunning sight from the air, these ancient artworks raise many questions.

In 1898, American Colony Photo Department, (later the Matson Photo Service), took these pictures of Bedouins in Egypt, the Sinai, Palestine and Jerusalem.