Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic

Summary

Machu Picchu, an architectural marvel in Peru, stands as a testament to the Inca civilization's ingenuity. Constructed in the mid-15th century without mortar, its precisely cut stones have withstood earthquakes for over 500 years. The site's purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a ceremonial site to a royal retreat. Rediscovered in the 20th century by Hiram Bingham, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1983, attracting visitors worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Machu Picchu is an ancient city located northwest of Cusco, Peru, and is a significant archeological site showcasing the Inca civilization.
• 🌏 The Inca civilization once spanned about 2500 miles along South America's Pacific Coastline, from Ecuador to Chile.
• 🏗 Built around the mid-15th century, Machu Picchu is a remarkable example of Inca engineering, constructed without steel or iron tools and without using mortar.
• 📐 The stones of Machu Picchu were cut with such precision that they fit snugly together, allowing the structure to withstand earthquakes due to the exceptional engineering.
• 🔍 The purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, with theories suggesting it could have been a ceremonial site, military stronghold, or retreat for nobility.
• 🌠 The site's layout and structures may have been designed to align with astronomical events, indicating a possible significance in Inca cosmology.
• 📚 The Inca had no written language, leaving no records to explain the exact purpose of Machu Picchu, which adds to its enigmatic nature.
• 🕊️ Despite being known to local communities, Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century.
• 👨‍🏫 Hiram Bingham, a Yale University professor, is credited with bringing Machu Picchu to the world's attention after being led there by a local farmer, Melchor Arteaga.
• 🏛️ Machu Picchu was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.
• 🌏 Today, Machu Picchu attracts visitors from around the globe who come to appreciate this unique piece of human history and architectural brilliance.

Q & A

What is Machu Picchu known for in the context of archeological sites?

Machu Picchu is known for being one of the most fascinating archeological sites on the planet, showcasing the power and ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Where is Machu Picchu located?

Machu Picchu is located northwest of Cusco, Peru.

How extensive was the Inca civilization's reach at its peak?

The Inca civilization stretched about 2500 miles along South America's Pacific Coastline, from modern day Ecuador down into Chile, which is nearly the horizontal width of the continental United States.

When was Machu Picchu built?

Machu Picchu was built around the mid 15th century.

What is unique about the construction of Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu's construction is unique due to the use of stone without the help of wheels or tools made of steel or iron, and the exceptional precision in cutting stones that fit snugly without the use of mortar.

How has Machu Picchu's construction helped it withstand earthquakes?

The stones of Machu Picchu are cut so precisely that they can bounce during tremors and then easily fall back into position, preserving the site's condition.

What is the purpose of Machu Picchu, and why is it still debated?

The purpose of Machu Picchu is still a mystery, with theories suggesting it may have been a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for nobility. The lack of a written language by the Inca and no records explaining the site's purpose contribute to the debate.

Are there any geographical or astronomical significances to the layout of Machu Picchu?

Many of the manmade and natural structures at Machu Picchu appear to align with astronomical events, suggesting a possible significance in the site's geographic layout.

When was Machu Picchu abandoned, and why is the exact reason unknown?

Machu Picchu was abandoned in the early 16th century, only about 100 years after it was built. The exact reason is unknown due to the absence of written records by the Inca.

How did Machu Picchu become known to the outside world?

Machu Picchu became known to the outside world in the early 20th century when local farmer Melchor Arteaga led Yale University professor Hiram Bingham to the site.

What recognition has Machu Picchu received, and why is it important?

In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu as a world heritage site, recognizing it as one of the world's most important archeological sites and a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire.

Why is the absence of written language by the Inca significant in understanding Machu Picchu?

The absence of a written language by the Inca is significant because it means there are no records that can explain the exact purpose and history of Machu Picchu, leaving much to interpretation and speculation.