Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic
Summary
TLDRMachu 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
- π° Machu Picchu is an ancient city located northwest of Cusco, Peru, and is a significant archeological site showcasing the Inca civilization.
- π The Inca civilization once spanned about 2500 miles along South America's Pacific Coastline, from Ecuador to Chile.
- π 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.
- π 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.
- π The purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, with theories suggesting it could have been a ceremonial site, military stronghold, or retreat for nobility.
- π The site's layout and structures may have been designed to align with astronomical events, indicating a possible significance in Inca cosmology.
- π The Inca had no written language, leaving no records to explain the exact purpose of Machu Picchu, which adds to its enigmatic nature.
- ποΈ Despite being known to local communities, Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century.
- π¨βπ« 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.
- ποΈ Machu Picchu was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.
- π 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.
Outlines
π° The Marvel of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, an archeological marvel located northwest of Cusco in Peru, stands as a testament to the Inca civilization's might and ingenuity. Spanning approximately 2500 miles along South America's Pacific coast, the Inca empire was vast, with Machu Picchu at its heart. Constructed around the mid-15th century without the use of mortar or iron tools, the site's precision-cut stones fit snugly, allowing it to withstand earthquakes for over 500 years. The purpose of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, with theories ranging from a ceremonial site to a royal retreat. Its alignment with astronomical events adds to its enigmatic allure. Abandoned shortly after its construction and unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century, Machu Picchu was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors worldwide.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Machu Picchu
π‘Inca civilization
π‘Engineering feats
π‘Mortar
π‘Earthquakes
π‘Archeological sites
π‘Ceremonial site
π‘Military stronghold
π‘Retreat for nobility
π‘Astronomical events
π‘UNESCO World Heritage Site
Highlights
Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating archeological sites on the planet.
Located northwest of Cusco, Peru, it is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca people.
The Inca civilization stretched about 2500 miles along South America's Pacific Coastline.
Machu Picchu is one of the few well-preserved remnants of the Inca civilization.
Built around the mid-15th century, Machu Picchu showcases the Inca's engineering feats.
The Inca constructed the site using stone without the help of wheels or tools made of steel or iron.
Machu Picchu's construction notably forgoes the use of mortar.
The stones were cut so precisely that they fit snugly together without mortar.
Machu Picchu is located on two fault lines and is prone to earthquakes.
The exceptional cut and fit of the stones allow them to bounce during tremors and fall back into position.
These engineering marvels have preserved Machu Picchu's condition for over 500 years.
Machu Picchu's purpose remains a mystery, with theories suggesting it may have been a ceremonial site, military stronghold, or retreat for nobility.
The site's layout may align with astronomical events, indicating a possible significance.
Machu Picchu was abandoned only about 100 years after it was built.
The absence of a written language among the Inca leaves no records explaining the site's purpose.
Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century.
Melchor Arteaga and Hiram Bingham reintroduced Machu Picchu to the world in the early 20th century.
UNESCO designated Machu Picchu as a world heritage site in 1983.
Today, visitors from around the world come to pay homage to this piece of history.
Transcripts
- [Narrator] The stone city of Machu Picchu
is one of the most fascinating archeological sites
on the planet.
Located northwest of Cuso, Peru, Machu Picchu
is a testament to the power
and ingenuity of the Inca people.
During its prime, the Inca civilization stretched
about 2500 miles along South America's Pacific Coastline.
From modern day Ecuador down into Chile.
This distance is nearly the horizontal width
of the continental United States.
Machu Picchu located at the center of this once expansive
empire is one of the few well-preserved remnants
of the Inca civilization.
Built around the mid 15th century,
Machu Picchu is a stunning example
of the Inca's engineering feats.
The Inca constructed Machu Picchu's palaces, temples,
terraces, and infrastructure using stone
and without the help of wheels or tools
made of steel or iron.
One particularly notable aspect of their construction
is foregoing the use of mortar, a material often used
to bind stones together.
Nonetheless, the stones of Machu Picchu
were cut so precisely that they snugly fit together.
Located on two fault lines Machu Picchu
often experiences earthquakes
but because of the stones' exceptional cut and fit,
they bounce during tremors and then are able
to easily fall back into position.
These engineering marvels have preserved Machu Picchu's
remarkable condition for over 500 years.
Machu Picchu's purpose is still a mystery
to many archeologists.
Some theorize that it may have served as a ceremonial site,
a military stronghold, or a retreat for nobility.
The site's geographic layout may be significant
in another way.
Many of both the manmade and natural structures appear
to align with astronomical events.
But in the early 16th century,
only about 100 years after it was built,
Machu Picchu was abandoned.
And since the Inca had no written language,
no records exist to explain the exact purpose of the site.
Although local communities knew about Machu Picchu,
the site remained largely unknown to the outside world
for hundreds of years.
Spanish conquistadors who invaded the Inca civilization
in the 16th century never came across the site.
It wasn't until the early 20th century when Melchor Arteaga,
a local farmer debuted Machu Picchu to outsiders when he led
Yale University professor Hiram Bingham to the site.
Bingham and successive explorers devoted much of their
academic careers to studying the archeological wonder.
Despite its enigmatic nature, Machu Picchu still stands
as one of the world's most important archeological sites.
It is a testament to the power and ingenuity
of one of the largest empires in the Americas.
In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu
as a world heritage site and today visitors
from around the world come to pay homage
to this piece of history.
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