Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (UNESCO/NHK)

UNESCO

3 Jun 201002:59

Summary

TLDRMachu 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.

Outlines

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🏰 Machu Picchu: The Sacred Inca Sanctuary

Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city nestled in the Peruvian Andes, was constructed in the mid-15th century. This 'aeropolis', or city in the clouds, sits atop a mountain ridge at an altitude of approximately 2,400 meters. Spanning roughly 9 hectares, it is estimated to have once housed over 500 inhabitants. The city's stone walls, a testament to the Incas' advanced masonry, stand alongside remnants of an intricate water system. The site was initially discovered in 1911 by an American historian who removed all excavated artifacts, leaving the location largely unexplored. These items are currently under study at Yale University. Analysis of 174 human skeletons revealed no evidence of violence or severe labor, suggesting a peaceful and healthy community. The absence of weapons further supports this theory. The city is believed to have been established by Inca Yanki, also known as Pak Haku, with the purpose of worship and understanding of the sun god, as indicated by the Temple of the Sun's alignment with the sun's movements during solstices. The terraced fields, which once grew coca, also played a role in Inca rituals, as the coca was used to produce a liquor offering to their deities. Machu Picchu represents a sacred site, integral to the Inca Empire's spiritual practices.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Aeropolis

An 'aeropolis' refers to a city built at a high elevation. In the script, Machu Picchu is described as an aeropolis because it is located on a mountain ridge 2,400 meters above sea level. This term highlights the city’s remote and elevated position, a feature that emphasizes its historical and cultural significance.

💡Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a historic Inca city built in the mid-15th century, located in the Peruvian Andes. It is central to the video's theme, being described as an ancient sanctuary and a key cultural site. Machu Picchu's location, purpose, and historical mystery are core elements in the narrative of the script.

💡Inca Empire

The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, and its culture and influence are pivotal to understanding Machu Picchu. The script mentions the Inca Emperor Pachacuti, who is believed to have built the city. This context provides insight into the city’s construction, purpose, and its connection to the spiritual and social practices of the Incas.

💡Stone walls

The stone walls of Machu Picchu are noted in the script for being built with sophisticated techniques. They are a testament to the architectural skill of the Incas and their ability to construct long-lasting structures in a remote, mountainous location. These walls help define the physical appearance of the city and its technological advancement.

💡Water system

Machu Picchu's developed water system is referenced in the script as one of the advanced infrastructural elements of the city. This system provided fresh water to the inhabitants and exemplifies the ingenuity of the Incas in managing natural resources to support their population in such a challenging environment.

💡Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun is a key structure within Machu Picchu, built for the observation and worship of the sun, the greatest god in Inca culture. The script emphasizes the temple's architectural alignment with solar events, such as the winter and summer solstices, demonstrating the city's religious and astronomical significance.

💡Intihuatana Stone

The Intihuatana Stone, referred to as 'inana' in the script, is a sacred stone pillar at Machu Picchu’s highest point. It is believed to be connected to the sun and was used to track the movements of the sun. This stone holds religious importance and provides clues to understanding the site’s spiritual and ceremonial purposes.

💡Terrace fields

The terrace fields at Machu Picchu are agricultural plots built on the southern slopes of the site. The script mentions that maize was grown here, with some used to make liquor dedicated to the gods. These terraces exemplify the Inca’s ability to adapt agriculture to mountainous terrain, ensuring the sustainability of the city.

💡American historian

An American historian, Hiram Bingham, is noted in the script as the person who 'discovered' Machu Picchu in 1911. His excavation and removal of artifacts brought international attention to the site, although it was controversial because the artifacts were not left in Peru. This historian's role is important in understanding the modern rediscovery and research of Machu Picchu.

💡Peaceful existence

The script describes the people of Machu Picchu as living a 'war-free, healthy, and peaceful existence.' This conclusion was drawn after examining human skeletons, which showed no signs of violence or forced labor. This insight into the city’s social structure adds to the mystery of its purpose and the nature of its inhabitants.

Highlights

Machu Picchu, an Inca city, was built in the mid 15th century in the Peruvian Andes.

Located on a mountain ridge at 2,400 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu is known as an 'aeropolis'.

The main part of the site covers around 9 hectares.

Historically, the city is believed to have had a population of more than 500 people.

Sophisticated techniques were used to build the stone walls of Machu Picchu.

Remains of a developed water system were found at the site.

An American historian discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, taking excavated articles with him.

The items taken from Machu Picchu are currently being studied at Yale University.

Analysis of 174 human skeletons revealed no signs of violence or forced labor.

No weapons were found, suggesting a peaceful existence for the inhabitants.

Machu Picchu was likely built by Inca Yanki, the ninth Inca Emperor, also known as Pak Haku.

The purpose of the city's location and construction may be linked to the Temple of the Sun.

The Temple of the Sun is positioned to observe the sun's movements through two windows on the east wall.

Machu Picchu is dedicated to the worship of the sun god, the greatest of all gods.

Mountains were considered sacred, making the site a fitting location for a ceremonial center.

Over 200 layers of terrace fields were used for growing maize and producing liquor for religious ceremonies.

Machu Picchu served as a sacred sanctuary in the Inca Empire.