8.1 Hiram Bingham and the rediscovery of Machu Picchu

Hiram Bingham's 1911 rediscovery of Machu Picchu revolutionized our understanding of Inca civilization. This Yale historian's expedition uncovered a hidden city, revealing advanced architecture, engineering, and social structures that astounded researchers.

The find sparked controversies over artifact ownership and excavation methods. Debates on cultural patrimony and ethical practices in archaeology continue to shape the field, influencing how we approach and preserve ancient sites today.

Hiram Bingham and the Rediscovery of Machu Picchu

Events of Machu Picchu's rediscovery

Top images from around the web for Events of Machu Picchu's rediscovery

• 

  Category:1911 in Peru - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: HIRAM BINGHAM III, REDISCOVERING 'MACHU PICCHU' View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Miscelánea: ¿Hiram Bingham descubrió Machu Picchu? View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:1911 in Peru - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: HIRAM BINGHAM III, REDISCOVERING 'MACHU PICCHU' View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Events of Machu Picchu's rediscovery

• 

  Category:1911 in Peru - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: HIRAM BINGHAM III, REDISCOVERING 'MACHU PICCHU' View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Miscelánea: ¿Hiram Bingham descubrió Machu Picchu? View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:1911 in Peru - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  THE GRANDMA'S LOGBOOK ---: HIRAM BINGHAM III, REDISCOVERING 'MACHU PICCHU' View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Bingham's background and interests shaped his exploration goals
  • Yale University historian and lecturer specialized in Latin American history
  • Fascination with South American exploration drove his research focus
• Previous expeditions built Bingham's expertise
  • 1906 trip to South America traced Simon Bolivar's revolutionary route
  • 1909 expedition to Peru explored ancient Inca capital of Choquequirao
• 1911 Yale Peruvian Expedition sought last Inca stronghold
  • Primary goal to find Vilcabamba, believed to be final Inca refuge
  • Collaboration with Peruvian government provided official support and access
• Local knowledge and guidance proved crucial
  • Information from farmers and local officials pointed to unexplored ruins
  • Melchor Arteaga, a local farmer, led Bingham to the site for small fee
• Initial discovery occurred in challenging conditions
  • July 24, 1911: Bingham's first sighting of Machu Picchu through dense foliage
  • Overgrown ruins and limited visibility hindered initial assessment
• Preliminary exploration and documentation began immediately
  • Clearing of vegetation revealed extent of the site
  • Initial photographs and measurements captured by Bingham's team

Impact on Inca civilization understanding

• Revelation of Inca architectural and engineering skills astounded researchers
  • Advanced stone masonry techniques (precise interlocking stones)
  • Complex urban planning and design (terraces, plazas, temples)
• Insights into Inca religious practices emerged from structures
  • Temple of the Sun and other sacred structures revealed ceremonial importance
  • Intihuatana stone and astronomical connections suggested advanced knowledge
• Understanding of Inca social organization deepened
  • Evidence of social stratification within the city (noble and common areas)
  • Residential areas and public spaces indicated complex societal structure
• Agricultural innovations demonstrated advanced farming techniques
  • Terraced farming techniques maximized arable land on steep slopes
  • Irrigation systems showcased water management skills
• Expansion of known Inca territory revised historical maps
  • Machu Picchu's strategic location in the Andes revealed defensive planning
  • Implications for Inca empire's reach and influence extended known boundaries
• Preservation of Inca culture provided unparalleled research opportunity
  • Relatively untouched by Spanish conquistadors, offering authentic insights
  • Valuable source of unaltered Inca artifacts and structures for study

Controversies of Bingham's excavations

• Ethical concerns regarding artifact removal sparked debate
  • Large-scale exportation of artifacts to Yale University (40,000+ items)
  • Debate over cultural patrimony and ownership intensified
• Legal disputes persisted for decades
  • Peruvian government's claims for repatriation began in early 20th century
  • Yale's initial resistance to return artifacts led to prolonged negotiations
• Scientific methods and documentation faced criticism
  • Criticisms of Bingham's excavation techniques (lack of stratigraphic recording)
  • Incomplete or inaccurate record-keeping complicated later research
• Misinterpretations and theories required later corrections
  • Bingham's "lost city" and "Virgin of the Sun" hypotheses proved inaccurate
  • Later revisions and corrections by other scholars refined understanding
• Impact on local communities transformed region
  • Displacement of indigenous farmers living near the site altered local dynamics
  • Economic and social changes due to tourism development (jobs, infrastructure)
• Legacy and resolution shaped archaeological practices
  • 2010 agreement between Yale and Peru for artifact return set precedent
  • Ongoing discussions about archaeological ethics and practices influence field