High up in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most iconic and mysterious archaeological sites. Known as the “Lost City of the Incas,” this ancient citadel has captured the imagination of explorers, historians, and travelers alike.
While its picturesque ruins have been extensively studied, Machu Picchu still holds many secrets about its construction, purpose, and the people who once called it home. This blog delves into the history, construction, periods of abandonment, and eventual re-discovery of this remarkable site, relying on historical evidence to piece together the story of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu, meaning “Old Peak” in Quechua, was built during the height of the Inca Empire, around the mid-15th century. It is widely believed that the ninth Sapa Inca, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, ordered the construction of Machu Picchu as a royal estate or religious site. The Incas were known for their sophisticated architecture, and Machu Picchu is a prime example of their engineering prowess.
The Inca Empire, which stretched from modern-day Colombia to Chile, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas were master builders and planners, creating an extensive network of roads, agricultural terraces, and cities that were well integrated into the natural landscape. Machu Picchu was no exception. Its location, perched on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters above sea level, was carefully chosen for its strategic and spiritual significance.
Machu Picchu was constructed using the classic Inca architectural style, characterized by dry stone construction. This technique, known as ashlar, involves cutting stones with such precision that they fit together without the need for mortar. The stones were shaped to fit perfectly with one another, creating a sturdy and earthquake-resistant structure. This method not only ensured the longevity of the buildings but also demonstrated the Incas’ advanced understanding of masonry and engineering.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Machu Picchu’s construction is the site’s terraces. These terraces were used for both agricultural and structural purposes. The Incas created these terraces by moving massive amounts of earth and rock, effectively stabilizing the steep mountainside and preventing landslides. The terraces also served to manage water flow and maximize arable land, which was scarce in the mountainous region.
The site is divided into two main areas: the urban sector and the agricultural sector. The urban sector contains the majority of the buildings, including temples, plazas, and residences. The most notable structures include the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana stone, which was used as an astronomical observatory. These structures were likely used for religious and ceremonial purposes, reflecting the Incas’ deep connection to their environment and the cosmos.
Despite extensive research, the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a topic of debate among historians and archaeologists. Some believe it was a royal estate for Inca emperors and nobility, while others suggest it was a religious site or even a retreat for the Inca elite.
Evidence suggests that Machu Picchu was a multi-functional site, serving as a royal estate, religious center, and agricultural hub. The presence of temples and religious artifacts indicates that it held spiritual significance. Meanwhile, the layout and architecture suggest it was also a place of rest and retreat for the Inca rulers, particularly Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.
Interestingly, Machu Picchu was not the largest or most important city in the Inca Empire. It was relatively small compared to other Inca cities like Cusco, the empire’s capital. This has led some scholars to propose that Machu Picchu was more of a personal project of Pachacuti, designed to showcase his power and legacy rather than serve as a central hub of the empire.
The citadel in the clouds was abandoned in the mid-16th century, likely around the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. The reasons for its abandonment remain unclear, but it is generally believed that the site was no longer of strategic importance to the Incas once the Spanish arrived. The Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, which may explain why it was left relatively intact compared to other Inca sites that were looted and destroyed during the conquest.
One theory suggests that the abandonment of Machu Picchu was due to a smallpox epidemic that swept through the region shortly after the arrival of the Spanish. The disease, brought by European invaders, decimated the Inca population, leading to the decline of their cities and infrastructure. With fewer people to maintain the site and no immediate threat from the Spanish, Machu Picchu may have simply fallen out of use and was eventually forgotten.
For centuries, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world, known only to the local indigenous communities who lived in the region. Over time, the dense jungle reclaimed the site, covering its structures with vegetation and obscuring it from view.
Although Machu Picchu was not completely forgotten, it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the site began to attract the attention of the wider world. There are records of various explorers and adventurers who came across the ruins in the 19th century, but they were often dismissed as mere local legends or insignificant ruins.
The re-discovery of Machu Picchu is most commonly attributed to American explorer Hiram Bingham, who was a professor at Yale University. In 1911, Bingham led an expedition to Peru in search of the “lost city” of Vilcabamba, the last stronghold of the Inca resistance against the Spanish. Instead, he stumbled upon Machu Picchu, guided by local Quechua farmers who had been living in the area.
When Bingham arrived at the mountain, he was astonished by what he found. The site was remarkably well-preserved, with many of its structures still standing despite centuries of neglect. Bingham documented his findings and brought the site to international attention, publishing a book titled “The Lost City of the Incas”. His expedition marked the beginning of scientific study at Machu Picchu, leading to numerous archaeological discoveries and increasing interest in Inca civilization.
Following Bingham’s re-discovery, Machu Picchu became a symbol of Inca heritage and a popular destination for archaeologists, historians, and tourists. Excavations at the site have uncovered a wealth of information about Inca society, architecture, and daily life. Despite its fame, however, many aspects of Machu Picchu’s history and purpose remain shrouded in mystery.
Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to marvel at its breathtaking beauty and contemplate the ingenuity of the Inca builders. The site has also become a focal point for discussions on the preservation of cultural heritage and the impact of tourism on ancient sites.
The growing popularity of Machu Picchu has brought both benefits and challenges. On the one hand, the influx of tourists has generated significant revenue for Peru, helping to fund conservation efforts and support local communities. On the other hand, the sheer number of visitors poses a threat to the site’s preservation. Concerns have been raised about the impact of foot traffic, erosion, and environmental degradation on the fragile ruins.
In response to these challenges, the Peruvian government has implemented measures to protect Machu Picchu, including limiting the number of daily visitors, establishing designated walking routes, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. These efforts aim to balance the need for preservation with the desire to share this remarkable site with the world.
Machu Picchu is more than just an archaeological site; it is a testament to the ingenuity, spirituality, and resilience of the Inca civilization. Its construction remains a marvel of engineering, and its history is a window into a bygone era. From its creation in the 15th century to its abandonment during the Spanish conquest, and its re-discovery in the 20th century, the site has journeyed through time, surviving against the odds to become one of the world’s most treasured landmarks.
As we continue to study and preserve the citadel, we uncover new layers of its history and gain a deeper understanding of the Inca people. Yet, despite all that has been learned, Machu Picchu continues to guard its secrets, inviting future generations to explore and discover its mysteries.
