Machu picchu one of the famous historical and impressive sites you can visit in all of South America (let alone just Peru), There are a number of things you quite possibly didn’t know about Machu picchu, how it was discovered and by whom as well as some lesser-known facts about this magical place. Read on for some fascinating insights into the magical sight in Peru, that attracts travelers in their droves to immerse themselves in Inca history!
When Was Machu Picchu Discovered?
Machu Picchu was ‘discovered’ a hundred years ago by an American archaeologist and professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. Bingham was a law professor at the prestigious Yale University in the U.S.A. with an interest in archaeology, who was led there by a young local boy (pablito alvarez) during his search for a completely different site, called Vilcabamba. He was looking for the Lost City of the Incas, called Vilcabamba, a place where the Incas battled against the Spanish Conquistadors. It was later declared that the actual Lost City of the Incas was to the west of Machupicchu now called Espiritu Pampa.
Who Built Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu was built by The Incas civilizations. It is believed that by Pachacutec, the 9th Inca ruler, ordered the construction and reigned from 1430–1471. The builders of Machu Picchu employed various techniques, including ramps, ropes, and manpower, to transport the heavy stones from quarries located near of Machupicchu. The exact identity of the actual builders remains a Magic. It is thought that the city was built by skilled Inca engineers, architects, and laborers who meticulously planned and created the impressive citadel.
Why Is Machu Picchu so Famous?
Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll. Its prestige relates not just to its incredibly well preserved architecture, the site is also defined by it´s extraordinary location. Machu Picchu offers a fascinating Inca culture and its mind blowing engineering feats that were so advanced for that time in history. According to engineers, 60% of Machu Picchu are building techniques are actually 40% underground, with foundations and crushed rock used for anti-seismic purposes and drainage. This just adds to the magnificence of this awe-inspiring Inca archaeological site.
When Was Machu Picchu Built?
Bingham was convinced that Machupicchu was actually the Lost City of the Incas until another explorer, finally managed to prove otherwise. Archaeologists have worked hard to discover what Machu Picchu was built for and when. It’s believed to have been as a remote retreat for the royal Inca family when they wished to get out of the main city, Cusco. However, some archaeologists argue it was built in the early 1400s. The truth about Machupicchu is still under discussion and theories vary from a fortress to a final destination of a religious pilgrimage.
HWhy Didn’t The Spanish Find Machu Picchu?
It’s thought that the Inca abandoned this site during the 16th Century, which is around the same time that the Spanish began to conquer Peru (with many believing it was left as a way of protecting it since the Spanish destroyed most sites). This means that it remained a secret to the mountains for over 300 years until it was eventually rediscovered.
The biggest and most popular theory as to why Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish, was because they never knew it existed and thus never tried to look for it. Considered one of the highest royal estates created for the Emperor Pachacutec, it was likely that the majority of the Inca civilisation also didn’t know that it existed – and therefore couldn’t share this information with them when they were forced to.
Another important factor is how remote the mountains are where Machu Picchu is located – which would have been like looking for a needle in the haystack for the Spanish.
