Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (UNESCO/NHK)

Summary

Machu Picchu, an Inca city nestled in the Peruvian Andes, was built in the mid-15th century atop a mountain ridge at 2,400 meters above sea level. This 'aeropolis' spans 9 hectares and is believed to have been home to over 500 people. The city's sophisticated stone walls and advanced water system suggest a peaceful, war-free society. Discovered in 1911, the site's 174 human remains reveal no signs of violence or forced labor, indicating a healthy existence. The Temple of the Sun, with its alignment to the sun's movements, suggests a devotion to the sun god. Machu Picchu's terraces, used for growing coca and producing ceremonial liquor, further emphasize its role as a sacred sanctuary in the Inca Empire.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Machu Picchu, an Inca city, was built in the mid 15th century in the Peruvian Andes.
• 🗻 This 'aeropolis' is situated on a mountain ridge at approximately 2,400 meters above sea level.
• 🏙️ The main area of the site spans about 9 hectares, with an estimated population of over 500 people.
• 🛠 The stone walls were constructed using highly advanced techniques, showcasing Inca engineering.
• 💧 The city featured a sophisticated water system, indicating advanced infrastructure.
• 🔍 The site was discovered by an American historian in 1911, who took artifacts but left the site unresearched.
• 🏛️ Examination of 174 human skeletons revealed no evidence of violence or forced labor, suggesting a peaceful community.
• 🌞 The city is believed to have been built by Inca Emperor Inca Yanki, also known as Pak Haku.
• 🕋 The Temple of the Sun, with its stone pillar 'Inana,' was used for solar observation and worship.
• 🌄 The Temple's alignment allows the sun to shine through specific windows on the winter and summer solstices.
• 🌾 Over 200 terraced fields were used for growing crops, including maize, which was used to make offerings to their gods.

Q & A

What is Machu Picchu and where is it located?

Machu Picchu is an Inca city built in the mid 15th century, located in the Peruvian Andes of South America, on a mountain ridge approximately 2,400 meters above sea level.

What does the term 'aeropolis' refer to in the context of Machu Picchu?

An 'aeropolis' refers to the main part of Machu Picchu, which covers an area of around 9 hectares and is believed to have been home to more than 500 people.

What techniques were used to construct the stone walls of Machu Picchu?

The stone walls of Machu Picchu were built using highly sophisticated techniques, which allowed for precise fitting of stones without the use of mortar.

Who discovered Machu Picchu and in what year?

Machu Picchu was discovered by an American historian in 1911.

What did the historian do with the excavated articles from Machu Picchu?

The historian took all the excavated articles with him and left the site unresearched; these items are currently being studied at Yale University.

What did the examination of 174 human skeletons reveal about the inhabitants of Machu Picchu?

The examination revealed no trace of killing or wounding, minor bone damage, and no traces of forced or hard labor, suggesting a peaceful existence.

Were any weapons found at Machu Picchu?

No weapons were found at Machu Picchu, indicating that the city's inhabitants may have lived a war-free life.

Who is believed to have built Machu Picchu and why?

Machu Picchu is believed to have been built by Inca Yanki, the ninth Inca Emperor, also known as Pak Haku. The purpose of the city's construction remains a mystery.

What is the significance of the stone pillar called 'Inana' at Machu Picchu?

The stone pillar 'Inana' is connected to the sun and was used to observe the sun's movements, suggesting that Machu Picchu was a place for understanding and worship of the sun god.

How does the Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu relate to the sun's movements?

The Temple of the Sun is positioned on a mountain ridge with no obstacles to the east or west, allowing the sun to shine through two windows on the east wall, one on the winter solstice and the other on the summer solstice.

What was the purpose of the terrace fields on the southern slopes of Machu Picchu?

The terrace fields on the southern slopes of Machu Picchu were used for agricultural purposes, primarily for growing maize, which was also used to make liquor dedicated to their gods.

Why were mountains considered sacred in the Inca Empire?

Mountains were considered sacred in the Inca Empire because they were seen as the dwelling places of the gods, making it logical to build ceremonial sites like Machu Picchu overlooking mountain peaks.