Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive sites in the world, but have you ever wondered who built it? What civilization was behind this amazing ancient city? In this article, we’re going to tell you all about the Incas and how they built this incredible site. Read on to discover the secrets of those who built Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Architecture
The architecture of Machu Picchu is one of the greatest achievements of the Inca civilization, a civilization that stood out for its advanced knowledge of stonework and engineering. This site, located high in the Peruvian Andes, is a clear example of the sophistication of the Incas in terms of planning and construction. The buildings at Machu Picchu not only have a functional purpose, but are also perfectly integrated with the natural landscape, something that reflects the deep relationship of the Incas with nature.
One of the most impressive aspects of the architecture of Machu Picchu is the use of stone in the construction. The stones were carefully carved and fitted together without using any kind of mortar, a technique known as sillar or Inca masonry work. This method of construction not only allowed them to create durable buildings, but also made the structures able to withstand the numerous earthquakes in the region. The precision in the fitting of the stones is such that, even today, the stones remain firmly joined, leaving no gaps between them.
Another interesting aspect of the architecture of Machu Picchu is the urban planning. The city was built according to a clear organization: streets, squares and temples were distributed efficiently to make the most of the available space on the mountain. The cultivation terraces, for example, not only had agricultural purposes, but also helped to stabilize the terrain, preventing landslides in this steep area. In addition, Machu Picchu has a number of sacred buildings that demonstrate the spiritual importance of this place for the Incas. The Temple of the Sun, for example, is a circular structure where religious ceremonies were held. You can also see the Intihuatana, a stone that served as a sundial. These constructions were designed to align with the stars, which reflects the deep astronomical knowledge of the Incas. The city was built by taking advantage of the geography of the terrain, using the surrounding mountains to create a kind of natural fortress. The way the city is integrated into the landscape demonstrates the respect the Incas had for the environment and how they used it for their own practical and spiritual purposes.
In short, the architecture of Machu Picchu is not only an aesthetic marvel as many people believe, but also a testament to the genius of the Incas in engineering, urban planning and astronomy. Every stone and every corner of this ancient city reflects the knowledge and vision of a civilization that left an impressive legacy that continues to fascinate the world today. If you ever have the opportunity to visit it, you will appreciate not only its beauty, but also the history and secrets that its buildings hold.
Characteristics of Inca Architecture
Inca architecture is characterized by its perfection in stonework, its adaptation to the natural environment and its functionality. Inca architects built not only buildings for everyday use, but also structures with religious and ceremonial importance.
One of the most notable characteristics is Inca masonry, a construction technique that did not use mortar in their constructions, but instead used stone carved so precisely that the pieces fit perfectly together. This type of construction allowed the Incas to create durable buildings that have withstood earthquakes and natural disasters for centuries. The precision of Inca masonry is such that, in some cases, a piece of paper cannot be inserted between the stones, which has amazed archaeologists and architectural experts to this day.
Adaptation to the terrain is another characteristic of Inca architecture. The Incas knew perfectly how to take advantage of the landscape, especially in mountainous and inaccessible areas. Agricultural terraces, for example, were not only built for productive purposes, but also helped to stabilize the soil and prevent landslides.
In short, construction techniques, adaptability to the terrain, astronomical knowledge and seismic resistance are just some of the characteristis that make Inca architecture an enduring legacy that continues to amaze visitors from around the world.
Who Built Machu Picchu in Peru?
The question of who built Machu Picchu continues to be a fascinating mystery. Although commonly associated with the Incas, some scholars suggest that this city may not have been exclusively the work of this civilization. There are theories that point to much older civilizations, which existed thousands of years before the Incas, and who may have been the true creators of these impressive structures located in Peru.
In Peru there were many pre-Inca civilizations, such as the Nazca, the Moche or the Tiahuanacos among many others, but some studies suggest that the construction of Machu Picchu may have begun even much earlier, in times that have not yet been fully discovered. Evidence has been found of megalithic constructions in different parts of the world that share an astonishing similarity in terms of the precision in the carving of the stones, their perfect fit and their resistance to earthquakes. In fact, there are similar structures in places like in Egypt leading some to believe that an advanced global civilization may have existed thousands of years ago, long before the cultures known to conventional history.
The reasons that support this theory are not limited only to the similarity in constructions. Many believe that the Incas did not have this technology for elaborate structures. Although the Incas were great architects and masters in the use of stone, the buildings at Machu Picchu seem to go beyond what was known to be possible in their time. Some archaeologists have even raised the possibility that the stones of Machu Picchu may have been shaped with an unknown technology or even with the intervention of aliens.
The idea that beings from another planet may have played a role in the creation of these structures is not new. There are also theories about ancient visitors from other worlds that may have shared their knowledge with ancient civilizations in our planet, leaving them tools, techniques and knowledge that enabled them to realize such grandiose works as Machu Picchu.
The history of Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, a mystery to be solved. While conventional theories point to the Incas, the fact that there is no irrefutable evidence about its construction invites us to continue exploring and questioning the accepted versions.
When Machu Picchu Was Built?
According to archaeologists, Machu Picchu was built around the 15th century, during the height of the Inca Empire, under the rule of Emperor Pachacutec. Although the Incas were expert builders, the exact duration of the construction of Machu Picchu remains questionable. Based on the techniques of the time and the complexity of the city, it is estimated that construction could have taken between 40 and 60 years, depending on the amount of labor and resources available. However, some researchers suggest that the structures could have been initiated by older civilizations, which could alter our perception of the construction time.
Who Discovered Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous places in the world, but its “discovery” has an interesting history full of theories. Although the official version says that Machu Picchu was discovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, in fact, this statement is not so simple. Over the years, several theories have emerged about who was really the first person to find Machu Picchu, and some even believe that Machu Picchu was known long before Bingham discovered.
The most famous version is that of Hiram Bingham, who, in 1911, led an expedition to the Cusco region in search of the ruins of an ancient Inca city called Vilcabamba. It was at that time when, guided by locals, he arrived at Machu Picchu and marveled at the impressive ruins. Bingham was the person who brought the news to the whole world and, thanks to his work, Machu Picchu became an international tourist destination.
However,before his arrival, the existence of the ruins of Machu Picchu was already known. Some studies suggest that the locals, especially those that lived nearby, already knew about the site, although it had not been given much attention outside the region. In fact, it is said that in previous centuries, some expeditions had already passed through the area without paying much attention to the ruins that had been hidden by vegetation. Even in old maps of the area, there were already references to the location of Machu Picchu
Some historians and archaeologists have pointed out that other explorers, such as the Peruvian Agustín Lizárraga, may have reached Machu Picchu before Bingham. Lizárraga, a local merchant reported in 1902 that he had found the ruins of Machu Picchu, although he did not receive the same international recognition as Bingham back in those times. There are even those who believe that a group of European scientists or archaeologists may have had access to the site earlier, but their discoveries were not widely publicized.
In summary, although Hiram Bingham takes official credit for the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911, he was not the first to discover its ruins. There are various theories that suggest that other explorers, both local and international, already knew about the site before that date. What is even more fascinating is the possibility that Machu Picchu was known to other civilizations long before the arrival of the Incas. Although there is no evidence to support all these theories.
Conclusión
In conclusion, Inca architecture was an extraordinary achievement that blended advanced technical skills with a deep respect for natural. Their constructions, characterized by precision masonry, adaptation to the mountainous terrain and astronomical alignment, show a unique understanding of engineering, agriculture and astronomy. Through their agricultural terraces, roads, temples and palaces, the Incas left a lasting legacy that not only survived the centuries, but continues to amaze the world for its perfection and durability. Inca architecture, in addition to being a testament to their greatness, continues to influence modern architecture and the way we understand the relationship between man, nature and the cosmos.
