Machu Picchu is a mysterious city of the ancient Inca tribe, located in Peru. It got its name thanks to the American Hiram Bingham, who discovered it during the 1911 expedition. In the language of the local Indian tribe, Machu Picchu means "old mountain". It is also known as the “city among the clouds” or “city in the sky”. This mysterious and picturesque corner is located on an inaccessible mountain peak about 2450 m high. Today the sacred city tops the list of memorable places in South America.
The original name of the monument of Indian architecture remained a mystery - it disappeared along with its inhabitants. An interesting fact: the locals were aware of the existence of the "lost city of the Incas" long before its official opening, but carefully guarded the secret from strangers.
The purpose of creating Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu and its location have always been considered sacred by the indigenous population. This is due to the fact that there are several purest sources of spring water, which are of paramount importance for human life. In the past, the city existed in isolation from the outside world, and the only means of communication with it were the Indian paths known only to initiates.
The nearby Huayna Picchu cliff (translated as "young mountain") resembles the face of an Indian facing the sky. Legend has it that this is the guardian of the city, frozen in stone.
Today, researchers are still worried about the goal of creating a city in such a remote and inaccessible place - on the top of a mountain surrounded by dense forests and high peaks. The issue is still open for discussion. According to some scientists, the reason for this could be the beauty of the local nature, while others are convinced that the matter is in the powerful positive energy of this territory.
The most popular assumption is about the location of the tops of the rocks suitable for astronomical observations. Apparently, this allowed the Indians to get a little closer to the Sun - the supreme deity of the Incas. In addition, many structures in Machu Picchu were clearly created in order to study the starry sky.
With a high degree of probability, this place served as the main religious center, intended for visiting by astronomers and astrologers. Here students from elite families could be taught various sciences.
The city seems to have a strong patron. It is known that during the attack of the Spanish conquistadors on the Inca Empire in the middle of the 16th century, Machu Picchu did not suffer at all: outsiders never had a chance to find out about its existence.
The pearl of ancient architecture
The architecture of the city, carefully thought out by Indian architects, is capable of capturing the imagination of a modern person. The ancient complex, located on an area of 30,000 hectares, is recognized as a true pearl of antiquity.
When the Bingham expedition first surveyed the city, archaeologists were struck by the elaborate layout and rare beauty of the buildings. It remains a mystery how the Incas were able to lift and move huge stone blocks weighing 50 or more tons of weight.
The engineering thought of the ancient Incas is amazing. Some scientists offer a version about the alien origin of the authors of the mountain project. The terrain was selected with the expectation that the city will not be visible from below. This location ensured complete safety for the residents of Machu Picchu. The houses were built without the use of mortar, the builders created the best conditions for a comfortable stay in them.
All buildings have a clearly defined purpose. There are many astronomical observatories, palaces and temples, fountains and swimming pools in the city. The dimensions of Machu Picchu are small: about 200 buildings were erected, in which, according to rough estimates, no more than 1000 inhabitants could be accommodated.
The central temple of Machu Picchu is located westward from the center. Behind it there is a dais with a long staircase that leads visitors to the Sun Stone (Intihuatana) - the most mysterious sight of the entire architectural complex.
Given that the ancient Incas did not have tools like modern equipment, one can only guess how long it took to equip this beautiful place. According to some estimates, the Indians built Machu Picchu for at least 80 years.
Abandoned shrine
The existence of the city is associated with the era of the reign of Pachacute, known to historians as a great innovator. It is believed that the ancient city was chosen by him as a temporary residence during the hot season. Scientists have found that people lived in Machu Picchu from 1350 to 1530 AD. e. It remains a mystery why in 1532, without completing the construction to the end, they left this place forever.
Modern researchers believe that the possible reasons for their departure are:
- desecration of a shrine;
- epidemic;
- attack by aggressive tribes;
- civil wars;
- lack of drinking water;
- the loss of its significance by the city.
The most common is the version about the desecration of the Inca shrine - violence against one of the priestesses. The Incas might have thought that even animals were not allowed to live on the polluted land.
No less popular is the assumption of a smallpox epidemic among the local population. It is possible that most of the city's residents have passed away as a result of the outbreak of this disease.
An attack by aggressive neighboring tribes and a civil war are considered by many researchers to be unlikely, since no traces of violence, armed clashes or destruction have been found on the territory of Machu Picchu.
The lack of drinking water could have prompted residents to make a decision to leave their homes.
We recommend you to look at the ancient city of Tauric Chersonesos.
Also, the city could lose its original significance after the disappearance of the Inca Empire under the onslaught of the Spanish conquerors. The inhabitants could leave it in order to protect themselves from the invasion of strangers and avoid the implantation of Catholicism alien to them. Finding out the true reasons for the sudden disappearance of people continues to this day.
Machu Picchu in the modern world
Today Machu Picchu carries much more than an archaeological site of antiquity. This place has become the shrine of the Andes and the real pride of their country.
Many mysteries of Machu Picchu are still not solved. A separate place in the history of the city is occupied by the long-term searches for the missing Inca gold. As you know, the Indian shrine did not become the place of his discovery.
The city is open to visitors all year round and continues to be of great interest to scientists. Thousands of researchers set off on a long journey, wishing to contribute to the uncovering of the secrets of Machu Picchu.
A trip to this beautiful place will be unforgettable and will give you many memorable photos. Numerous tourists who visit the “city among the clouds” every year always feel the unique spirit of this mysterious place. From numerous terraces, beautiful views of the river landscapes stretch, and climbing the neighboring Huayna Picchu mountain, you can see the structure of the city in detail.
Machu Picchu was awarded the title of one of the new 7 wonders of the world, and entered the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
