Here’s everything you need to know about one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Let’s discover the mysteries of Machu Picchu together
Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, was built by the Incasone of the most advanced civilizations of pre-Columbian America. Located in the Andes, Peru, this citadel was built under the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century, around 1450. Its height, at over 2,400 meters above sea level, and the engineering skill of the builders reflect the power and the refinement of the Inca culture.
Advertisement
How Machu Picchu was built
The Incas, known for their extraordinary ability to build infrastructure, used a technique called “dry stone walling” or “ashlar”, which involved the precise interlocking of large blocks of stone without the use of mortar. This method made Machu Picchu resistant to earthquakes, which are very common in the Andean region. The stones were so well crafted that they fit together perfectly, incredibly stable and long-lasting.
Because it was built there
The city was probably built as a summer residence for the Inca elite or as a religious center. Studies suggest that its function was multifunctional, combining ceremonial, agricultural and administrative purposes. The layout of the city is another notable aspect: the agricultural terraces, temples, and houses are arranged in harmony with the surrounding landscape, demonstrating profound respect.
When it was discovered
Machu Picchu remained unknown to the Spanish during their conquest and was only rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham. Today it is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world, a symbol of the engineering and architectural genius of the Incas, and represents an important testimony to their culture and their culture.
