Machu Picchu

Definition

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, built in the 15th century and often referred to as the 'Lost City of the Incas.' This remarkable site showcases the architectural and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization and serves as a key example of Pre-Columbian culture, reflecting both its historical significance and its role in the development of indigenous art and architecture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Machu Picchu was built during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti in the mid-1400s and served as a royal estate or religious site.
2. The site consists of over 200 structures, including temples, terraces, and residential areas, all constructed with precise stone masonry that has withstood earthquakes.
3. Machu Picchu is thought to have been abandoned during the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century and remained largely unknown to outsiders until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
4. The citadel is located at an elevation of about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, making it a remarkable example of adaptation to high-altitude environments.
5. Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in South America, symbolizing Incan ingenuity and cultural heritage.

Review Questions

• How does Machu Picchu reflect the architectural skills and cultural values of the Inca civilization?
  • Machu Picchu showcases advanced engineering techniques through its precise stone construction, including interlocking stones that allow buildings to withstand seismic activity. The layout of the citadel reflects Incan cosmology and agricultural practices, with terraces demonstrating their understanding of farming in high-altitude conditions. Overall, Machu Picchu represents both the ingenuity and spiritual beliefs of the Inca people, highlighting their connection to nature and their complex societal structure.
• Discuss the significance of Machu Picchu in understanding Pre-Columbian societies and their achievements.
  • Machu Picchu serves as a critical example of Pre-Columbian architecture and urban planning, illustrating the sophisticated social organization and engineering capabilities of the Inca Empire. The site's construction demonstrates advanced knowledge of agriculture through its terracing system and reflects the Inca's relationship with their environment. By studying Machu Picchu, we gain insights into how indigenous societies thrived before European contact and how their cultural practices shaped their communities.
• Evaluate how Machu Picchu's rediscovery has influenced modern perceptions of Incan culture and its impact on tourism in Peru.
  • The rediscovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911 significantly transformed global perceptions of Incan culture, elevating it as a symbol of ancient civilization and attracting scholarly interest. This newfound recognition has led to an influx of tourism, greatly impacting Peru's economy but also raising concerns about preservation and environmental sustainability. As visitors flock to this iconic site, it highlights both admiration for Incan achievements and challenges regarding how to balance heritage conservation with modern tourism demands.

Related terms

Inca Empire: A vast empire that flourished in South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, known for its advanced agriculture, architecture, and extensive road networks.

Terraces: Flat areas created on steep hillsides by the Incas for agriculture, which prevented soil erosion and maximized arable land in mountainous regions.

Intihuatana: A ritual stone associated with the Inca religion, often referred to as a 'hitching post for the sun,' believed to hold spiritual significance in connecting humans with deities.