Which civilization built the city of Machu Picchu?

 

The city of Machu Picchu was built by the Inca civilization, specifically during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui in the 15th century. This remarkable archaeological site is often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas" and is situated in the Andes Mountains of present-day Peru. Machu Picchu is celebrated for its extraordinary architecture, stunning mountain setting, and its historical and cultural significance.

Here's a detailed overview of Machu Picchu and the civilization that built it:

1. The Inca Civilization:

• The Inca civilization was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, flourishing in the Andean region of South America during the 15th and early 16th centuries.
• At its zenith, the Inca Empire stretched from modern-day Colombia to Chile, with its capital located in Cusco, Peru.

2. Construction of Machu Picchu:

• Machu Picchu was constructed in the mid-15th century during the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui (1438-1472) and later expanded by his successors.
• The site was built with meticulous planning and precise engineering, utilizing massive stones carefully cut and fitted together without the use of mortar. The architecture is characterized by dry-stone construction, terraced agricultural fields, and finely crafted structures.

3. Purpose and Function:

• While the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is believed to have served as a royal estate or retreat for the Inca elite.
• Some theories suggest it may have had religious, ceremonial, or astronomical functions due to its alignment with celestial events, such as solstices.

4. Abandonment and Rediscovery:

• Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Inca civilization, likely in the late 16th century during the Spanish conquest, to avoid capture by the conquistadors.
• It remained largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

5. UNESCO World Heritage Site:

• In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.
• It is now one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually.

6. Cultural Significance:

• Machu Picchu provides valuable insights into Inca architecture, engineering, agriculture, and culture. The site's well-preserved structures, including temples, plazas, and terraces, are a testament to the advanced construction techniques of the Inca civilization.
• Its stunning location amidst the Andes Mountains has also made it an iconic symbol of ancient South American civilization.

7. Conservation and Preservation:

• Due to its popularity and the environmental impact of tourism, efforts have been made to protect and preserve Machu Picchu. Visitor numbers are controlled, and conservation measures have been implemented.

In summary, Machu Picchu is an extraordinary archaeological site built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century. Its purpose, while not definitively known, is believed to have been a royal estate or ceremonial center. Today, it stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization and is a symbol of Peru's rich cultural heritage.