Machu Picchu

Definition

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and impressive architectural features. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a symbol of the Inca civilization's advanced engineering skills and its deep connection to the natural landscape. Machu Picchu is often associated with various aspects of Incan culture, including agriculture, religion, and social organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century under the reign of Inca emperor Pachacuti and is believed to have been a royal estate or a religious site.
2. The city is situated at an elevation of about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, making it one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
3. Machu Picchu showcases remarkable engineering techniques, including its sophisticated water management system that supplied fresh water to the residents.
4. The site remained largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, which sparked global interest in Incan culture.
5. Machu Picchu is also home to numerous ceremonial structures, including temples and plazas, which reflect the spiritual significance of the site in Incan society.

Review Questions

• How does Machu Picchu reflect the architectural and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization?
  • Machu Picchu exemplifies the Inca civilization's architectural prowess through its intricate dry-stone construction and innovative design elements. The site features buildings that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, demonstrating the Incas' ability to adapt their construction techniques to mountainous terrains. Additionally, Machu Picchu's sophisticated water management system highlights their advanced engineering skills, as they effectively utilized natural resources to support a thriving community in a challenging environment.
• What role did agriculture play in sustaining Machu Picchu and its inhabitants, and how was this achieved through Incan practices?
  • Agriculture was crucial for sustaining Machu Picchu and its residents, primarily achieved through advanced farming techniques like terracing. The Incas constructed terraces on steep slopes to create arable land, which allowed them to cultivate crops such as maize and potatoes efficiently. This agricultural innovation not only maximized crop production but also prevented soil erosion, ensuring a stable food supply for the population living in this high-altitude environment.
• Evaluate the significance of Machu Picchu in understanding Incan society and culture, especially concerning religion and governance.
  • Machu Picchu holds significant value in understanding Incan society as it showcases elements of both governance and religious practices. As a royal estate or ceremonial center, it reflects the centralized power of the Inca emperor and highlights the importance of elite status within their social structure. Furthermore, structures like the Intihuatana reveal insights into Incan spirituality, emphasizing their reverence for nature and celestial bodies. By studying Machu Picchu, we gain deeper insights into how these cultural aspects intertwined within the daily lives of the Incas.

Related terms

Inca Empire: A vast and powerful civilization that thrived in South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, known for its impressive architectural achievements and extensive road systems.

Terracing: An agricultural technique used by the Incas to create flat arable land on steep mountain slopes, allowing for more efficient farming and crop production.

Intihuatana: A ritual stone associated with Incan religious practices, believed to be a sacred space for astronomical observations and the worship of the sun god.