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History of Machu Picchu - Inca Civilization
The first thing that people think about when they hear Peru is Machu Picchu. Located just outside of Cuzco in the northwest countryside is the marvelous Machu Picchu which is visited by thousands of tourists every day. It is said to be a holy site or royal estate of the Incan leaders. The Inca civilization was nearly wiped out by the Spanish conquerors during the sixteenth century. Machu Picchu had been abandoned for hundreds of years until Hiram Bingham, an American archaeologist found it in 1911. Only the peasants that lived in the region knew about the existence of the abandoned citadel. Most tourists to Peru only visit the country due to Machu Picchu after going through travel information which fascinates them of the might of the Inca civilization.
Stretching over 5 miles, the Machu Picchu features over 3000 stone steps which link to many different levels. The towering stone monuments are a favorite among tourists who venture to Peru to take in the mysterious splendor of it all.
Incan Past of the Machu Picchu
According to historians, the Machu Picchu had been built during the height of the Inca civilization. Western South America was dominated by the Inca Empire during the period of fifteenth to sixteenth century. The Machu Picchu is believed to have been abandoned 100 years after it had been constructed when the Spanish conquerors arrived. However, there is a lack of evidence which suggests that the conquistadors were able to reach the citadel or even attacked. Thus, some historians believe that the desertion of Machu Picchu occurred due to a smallpox epidemic. Made up of over 150 buildings that range from sanctuaries to temples to houses and baths, the Machu Picchu is a magnificent citadel.
Most archaeologists are of the view that Machu Picchu was a royal estate for nobles and Incan emperors. On the other hand, there are many that believe that it was a holy site because it is close to the mountains which the Incas considered sacred. There are many different theories that have propped up over the years since this manmade wonder was first unveiled.
Discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham
Hiram Bingham came to Peru in 1911 with a team of explorers in hopes to find the last Incan stronghold which fell in the hands of the Spanish. The American archaeologist traveled by foot and rode a mule from Cuzco to the Urubamba Valley. Once there, a local farmer mentioned that there are some ruins which are found at the top of the mountain. Machu Picchu was the name that the farmer used for referring to the mountain which means “old peak” in the Quechua language.
After a difficult climb on July 24, Hiram Bingham and his team fought the drizzly cold weather to make it to the top until a group of peasants helped guide them to their final destination. This is when Hiram got a first glimpse of the manmade wonder that is Machu Picchu. The intricate stone network that showcased the terraces that marked the entrance excited Hiram beyond words. Hiram wrote about his discover in his book “The Lost City of the Incas”. This helped spread the word about Machu Picchu and led to many tourists from around the world heading on the Inca Trail. Moreover, Hiram also excavated various artifacts which were taken to Yale University. This led to a custodial battle between the American government and the Peruvian government until Yale University agreed to repatriate the artifacts.
Although Hiram might claim to be the first outsider to visit the Machu Picchu, it is possible that many others had already discovered the site. Some of the evidence suggests that explorers and missionaries had reached Machu Picchu during the nineteenth or early twentieth century. But, they did not publicize what they uncovered.
The Site
Located near the tropical mountain forest in the Peruvian Andes, the Machu Picchu boasts beautiful ramps, stairways, terraces, and walls which seamlessly blend in well with the natural environment. The site is made of finely crafted stonework. It even has its own sophisticated irrigation system which showcases the splendor of the Incan architectural works. The terraced fields had been perfectly planned. Moreover the engineering and agricultural prowess of it all will take you away. The central buildings are made from masonry techniques that had been mastered to perfection by the Incas. The techniques involved the cutting of stones without any mortar.
Several distinctive sections have been identified by archaeologists which come together to form a city. It includes a sacred area, a royal district, residential neighborhoods, and a farming zone. The Intihuatana and the Temple of the Sun are two of the most famous structures that are found in Machu Picchu. The Intihuatana stone is sculpted granite rock which functioned like a calendar or solar clock.
The Temple of the Sun
Known for its spiritual significance, the Temple of the Sun has an intricate elliptical design which is similar to the Incan sun temple found in Cuzco. The temple is located next to the residence of the emperor. The rock inside of the temple is believed to have been the altar. The June Solstice held great importance to the Incas as it is during that time that sun shone directly into the temple.
The Machu Picchu of Today
The Machu Picchu has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ever since 1983. It is considered a New Wonder of the World. Thus, the Machu Picchu is one of the most visited attractions in not just Peru but South America. It has led to an influx of tourists from around the world which has led to great development in all nearby towns. However, environmental degradation is a reality which endangers the site. It is due to this reason that the Peruvian government has taken various preventative measures to ensure that the ruins are protected from erosion and mass tourism. The Machu Picchu continues to attract hordes of tourists every year.