Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic

National Geographic

2 Sept 201703:34

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

🏰 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.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 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

💡Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located high in the Andes of Peru, which is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls and its dramatic setting on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba Valley. It is a key concept in the video as it represents the main subject of discussion, illustrating the architectural and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. The script describes it as 'one of the most fascinating archeological sites on the planet,' emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.

💡Inca civilization

The Inca civilization refers to the pre-Columbian empire that was the largest state in pre-Columbian America, stretching along the Pacific Coastline of South America. In the video, it is mentioned as the creators of Machu Picchu, showcasing their power and ingenuity. The script highlights the extent of the Inca empire, comparing it to the horizontal width of the continental United States, to give viewers a sense of its vastness and influence.

💡Engineering feats

Engineering feats refer to impressive and skillful accomplishments in the field of engineering. The script uses this term to describe the construction of Machu Picchu, which was built without the use of wheels or tools made of steel or iron, and yet the stones were cut so precisely that they fit together snugly without the need for mortar. This is a central theme in the video, demonstrating the advanced building techniques of the Inca people.

💡Mortar

Mortar is a substance used to bind building elements together, typically consisting of a mixture of cement, sand, and water. In the context of the video, the absence of mortar in the construction of Machu Picchu is highlighted as a notable aspect of Inca engineering. The script emphasizes that despite the lack of this common binding material, the stones were cut with such precision that they interlock perfectly, contributing to the site's remarkable preservation.

💡Earthquakes

Earthquakes are the shaking, rolling, or other seismic activity caused by the sudden release of stored energy in the Earth's crust, creating seismic waves. The video script mentions that Machu Picchu is located on two fault lines and often experiences earthquakes. However, the exceptional engineering of the site allows it to withstand these natural disasters, with the stones bouncing during tremors and falling back into position, illustrating the resilience of Inca construction.

💡Archeological sites

Archeological sites are places where remains or artifacts from past human activity are preserved either by natural processes or by human intervention. Machu Picchu is described as one of the world's most important archeological sites in the script, emphasizing its value for understanding the Inca civilization and its engineering capabilities. The site provides a tangible connection to the past and offers insights into the cultural and technological achievements of the Inca people.

💡Ceremonial site

A ceremonial site is a location used for rituals, religious activities, or other formal ceremonies. The script suggests that one of the theories about the purpose of Machu Picchu is that it may have served as a ceremonial site. This theory is part of the ongoing debate among archeologists about the site's function, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding Machu Picchu.

💡Military stronghold

A military stronghold refers to a fortified place designed to withstand attacks or to serve as a base for military operations. The video script presents the idea that Machu Picchu could have been a military stronghold, one of the hypotheses about its purpose. This concept is significant as it reflects the strategic importance of the site's location and the Inca's concern for defense.

💡Retreat for nobility

A retreat for nobility implies a place where the upper class or ruling class would withdraw for relaxation or seclusion. The script mentions this as another theory about the purpose of Machu Picchu, suggesting it might have been a place for the Inca elite to escape from the rigors of court life. This theory contributes to the various interpretations of the site's use and significance.

💡Astronomical events

Astronomical events are significant occurrences in the sky, such as eclipses, meteor showers, or the alignment of celestial bodies. The video script notes that many of the manmade and natural structures at Machu Picchu appear to align with astronomical events, suggesting that the site may have had an astronomical or calendrical significance. This adds another layer of complexity to the understanding of the site's purpose and the Inca's knowledge of the cosmos.

💡UNESCO World Heritage Site

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, designates certain places around the world as World Heritage Sites for their cultural, historical, or natural significance. The script mentions that Machu Picchu was designated as such in 1983, recognizing its outstanding universal value. This designation helps to ensure the preservation of the site and promotes its appreciation by visitors from around the world.

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.