8.3 Theories on Machu Picchu's purpose and abandonment

Machu Picchu's purpose remains a mystery, with theories ranging from royal estate to religious center. Evidence supports the royal estate idea, with fine stonework, luxury goods, and a small population capacity pointing to an exclusive retreat for Inca nobility.

The site's abandonment likely stemmed from multiple factors. The Spanish conquest disrupted Inca networks, while epidemics decimated the population. Climate change, civil war, and loss of royal support may have also played roles in Machu Picchu's downfall.

Theories on Machu Picchu's Purpose

Theories of Machu Picchu's purpose

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• Royal Estate Theory
  • Hiram Bingham proposed Machu Picchu functioned as retreat for Inca nobility
  • High-quality architecture and artifacts support this theory (fine stonework, precious metals)
  • Limited capacity suggests exclusive use by small elite group
• Religious Center Theory
  • Emphasizes site's spiritual significance with numerous temples and ritual spaces
  • Structures align with astronomical events (solstices, equinoxes)
  • Intihuatana stone served as astronomical clock for royal rituals
• Administrative Center Theory
  • Machu Picchu possibly served as regional administrative hub
  • Evidence includes storage facilities and agricultural terraces
  • Managed local resources and trade in the area
• Military Fortress Theory
  • Strategic location and defensive features suggest military purpose
  • Watchtowers and steep cliffs provided natural protection
  • Less accepted due to lack of typical military structures (barracks, armories)
• Agricultural Research Station Theory
  • Extensive agricultural terraces indicate focus on crop cultivation
  • Diverse microclimates within site allowed for experimental agriculture
  • Terraces used for growing various crops (maize, potatoes)

Evidence for royal estate hypothesis

• Architectural evidence
  • Fine stonework typical of Inca imperial architecture found throughout
  • Central plaza and ceremonial structures indicate elite spaces
  • Intihuatana stone likely used for royal astronomical rituals
• Artifact discoveries
  • High-quality ceramics and metal objects associated with nobility unearthed
  • Exotic goods from distant parts of empire found on site (shells, feathers)
  • Limited evidence of large-scale food production or storage suggests non-permanent residence
• Historical context
  • Located in sacred valley, region favored by Inca rulers
  • Proximity to other known royal estates (Ollantaytambo, Pisac)
  • Aligns with accounts of Inca Pachacuti's building projects
• Skeletal remains
  • Analysis suggests population of servants and specialized craftspeople
  • Absence of large permanent population consistent with royal retreat
  • Bone studies indicate diverse diet with access to luxury foods (meat, coca)
• Limited size and capacity
  • Site supported small population, suitable for royal entourage
  • Lack of large-scale public spaces found in major Inca cities (Cusco)
  • Intimate scale of buildings and plazas suggest private, elite use

Reasons for Machu Picchu's abandonment

• Spanish conquest
  • Inca Empire collapsed following arrival of Spanish conquistadors (1532)
  • Inca administrative and supply networks disrupted
  • Possible deliberate abandonment to avoid Spanish discovery and looting
• Epidemics
  • European diseases introduced, decimating Inca population (smallpox, influenza)
  • Maintenance of site compromised due to loss of skilled workers
  • Rapid depopulation of region as diseases spread unchecked
• Civil war
  • Internal conflict between Inca factions weakened empire (Huáscar vs. Atahualpa)
  • Political power shifted away from region
  • Resources and labor needed to maintain site disrupted by conflict
• Climate change
  • Evidence of prolonged drought in region during this period
  • Agricultural productivity and water supply potentially impacted
  • Site became less sustainable or desirable for habitation
• Loss of royal patronage
  • Death or deposition of sponsoring ruler led to abandonment
  • Political priorities shifted under new leadership
  • Resources reallocated to other projects or regions deemed more important
• Ritual abandonment
  • Theories suggest planned, ceremonial abandonment
  • Linked to Inca beliefs about cycles of renewal and rebirth
  • Explains relative lack of valuable artifacts left behind at site