The structures of Machu Picchu were created using a process known as "ashlar." The stones are carved to fit together without the need of mortar. Surprisingly, not even a scrap of paper can fit between two stones. According to Inca legend, the castle is divided into two parts: Hanan and Urin. The names mean "snow" and "water," respectively. It is believed that these names came about because the first settlers of Machu Picchu brought snow with them from farther north.
In addition to being used for construction, the rocks were also placed there as markers or guides for travelers. For example, the large stone near the entrance to the site is called "the marker." Another example is the small rock next to the main road about half way up the mountain. This rock is called "the watchman" because it was used by the Incas as a lookout point.
Machu Picchu was built around 1493-1472 by the Inca emperor Pachacuti. He wanted to create a new capital for his people that was far away from the wars happening in the other cities. Therefore, he built this city where people could have their own farms and be self-sufficient. In addition, the food would have been cheaper here than in the other cities!
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America.
"Machu Picchu" means "Old Peak" or "Old Mountain" in the Quechua language. Many of the stones used to construct the city weighed more than 50 tons. They were transported hundreds of miles from distant mountains into the heart of the empire.
The location of Machu Picchu has never been confirmed with certainty, but it's believed to be in central Peru, near Cuzco. There are several candidates, including Huarochirí in the Ancash region and Santa Cruz in the Cusco region. The most popular site is probably Moray in the Cusco region, because it's an impressive archaeological site that's well preserved. However, no one knows for sure because the original sites have been lost under years of rain and snowmelt runoff.
Machu Picchu was built by the Incas as their capital during the early years of their civilization. They constructed the road that leads up to the site today, as well as many other structures at the location. After the Spanish invasion in 1532, they used the city as a hideout until Hernando Pizarro ordered them captured. Afterward, they were taken to Lima where they were publicly executed. It's believed that the last Inca to die in captivity was guilty of plotting against the Spaniards so this story may not be accurate.
Machu Picchu is physical proof of the urban Inca Empire at its pinnacle of power and achievement—a fortress of cut stone so securely fitted together without mortar that its fissures can still be pierced by a knife blade. The only reason it has survived more than 500 years after the Incas were defeated is because it was never captured by any invading army.
The Incas built Machu Picchu around 1450-1490 AD, just as the Spanish conquest was beginning. It was probably designed by the emperor who ordered its construction, Prince Henry of Ancreneo. He wanted to create a new royal residence for himself outside of Cusco so he could control all the trade in his kingdom from one location instead of having it spread out among several small cities. Machu Picchu was chosen because it was far away from other civilizations and there were no major rivers nearby that would have required extensive engineering work to cross.
Machu Picchu is an island surrounded by mountains with only one road in and out. It was completely protected on all sides, including up above where trees have been growing in some areas for over 300 years now that nobody has gone up there to chop them down.
The location itself is believed to have had a healing effect on Prince Henry, who was sick with tuberculosis when he first arrived in Cusco.
Machu Picchu is the Inca emperor Pachacuti's royal citadel and an outstanding landmark recognized for its holiness and estate. In the history of civil engineering, the engineering skills utilized in the construction of Machu Picchu in combination with the natural setting are outstanding. The ability of the Incas to transport large stones over long distances was extraordinary for their time. Their knowledge of geology and hydrology was also very advanced for their era.
The city was built between 1470 and 1540 AD by the Emperor Huayna Capac. It was probably designed by his son, the Prince of the Sun, who later on became the first Inca emperor. According to some historians, the prince may have used drawings left by Spanish explorers as a guide during its construction. However, there is no evidence that proves this theory. What is known for sure is that thousands of men from all over the empire worked on Machu Picchu for several years building roads, bridges, and housing for the workers. They used only local materials such as stone, wood, and clay because there were no metals available in South America at the time.
In addition to its civil engineering aspects, what makes Machu Picchu so special is its location. Situated in the Andes mountains, the city was originally accessible only by foot or small boat. Today, it can be reached by road but back then people had to travel for days through dangerous territory before reaching it.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 BindleyHardware & Co Inc.
