In 1911 American explorer Hiram Bingham,
led by a Peruvian guide, came upon a lost mountain city.
Located about 8,000 feet above sea
level and about 50 miles northwest of Cuzco.
The city is now known as Machu Picchu,
though the original name is unknown.
It was
occupied for perhaps only 80 years and has withstood 5 centuries of intense
climate and 85 years of Western impact.
Machu Picchu is nestled between two mountain peaks in Peru, South America,
where it resides in majesty amid the clouds.
The pre-Columbian archaeological ruin of stone terraces was rediscovered
almost completely intact, though vegetation was taking over.
There are many temples, palaces and residential compounds, and a striking
astronomical observatory.
There is debate on the purpose of Machu Picchu. Was it a walled
fortress? Or was it a royal estate and religious retreat?
The
fortified town also had terraces for farming and aqueducts for water.
Machu Picchu was probably the last
Inca stronghold after the Spanish invaded the territory in the 16th century.
But while the Spanish had heard rumors of a hidden Inca city, they never
found it.
The stone walls of Machu Picchu,
like other Inca constructions, are mortarless but very well built.
The Incas were expert masons.
For better quality surfaces, the
stones that made up the walls were first cut as close as possible and then
rubbed with sand and water to smooth their surfaces so they fit together
perfectly.
While
advanced in many ways, the Inca had no written language (except perhaps
for a few signs and symbols).
They kept records of accounting on
a Quipu, which is a series of colored strings and knots. The Inca
kept verbal historical accounts to be related and passed on.
* Special thanks to a lady in Peru, who wishes to remain anonymous,
for allowing me to use and alter these beautiful pictures that she took,
of Machu Picchu.
Get your own Free Home Page