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