By Konstantinos Chavariotis (B4).
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, about 80 kilometers northwest of Cuzco. It is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
Machu Picchu was built around 1450, during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti and it is believed to have been a royal estate or a religious site for Inca leaders. At first, it was largely unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
Architecture
Although it is situated on a mountain ridge at about 2,430 meters above sea level, it is known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, with polished stones fitted together without mortar, which blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Machu Picchu also includes some agricultural temples, plazas, terraces, residential buildings and water channels. Some of the key structures are The Intihuatana Stone, which is a ritual stone associated with astronomical observations, The Temple of the Sun, which was used for religious ceremonies, and The Room of the Three Windows, which offers stunning views and aligns with the sun during solstices.
Significance
Machu Picchu is significant for its cultural importance and tourism, because it is a symbol of the Inca Empire and a testament to their engineering skills and understanding of the natural landscape and it’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Preservation
The site is still facing challenges from environmental degradation, tourism, and natural disasters and there are currently ongoing efforts aimed to preserve the site, including restrictions on the number of daily visitors and maintenance of the structures.
Some fun facts about Machu Picchu
Even though this civilization is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, it was never truly «lost» to the local indigenous people. Also, the Incas left no written records, so much of what is known about Machu Picchu comes from archaeological evidence and oral history.
All in all, Machu Picchu remains a powerful symbol of Incan ingenuity and a window into their civilization. It’s a must-see site for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology.
