Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Often called the "Lost City of the Incas," it is a marvel of ancient engineering and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here are some key facts about Machu Picchu:
* Who Built It? It's widely believed that Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti. It was constructed at the height of the Inca Empire's power.
* What was its purpose? The exact purpose of Machu Picchu is not definitively known, as the Incas did not have a written language. However, leading theories suggest it was built as a royal estate or a sacred religious site for the emperor and the Inca elite. Its location, with its stunning mountain views and alignment with astronomical events, points to its spiritual significance.
* Architectural Genius: The most famous feature of Machu Picchu is its sophisticated stonework. The buildings are constructed with a technique called "dry-stone" walling, where large, precisely cut stones fit together perfectly without the use of mortar. This method made the structures incredibly resistant to earthquakes, which are common in the region.
* The "Discovery": While the local Quechua people knew about the site, it was largely unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham was led to it in 1911.
* Abandonment: The site was abandoned about a century after it was built, likely during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Because the Spanish never found Machu Picchu, it was left untouched and well-preserved.
Machu Picchu stands as a testament to the incredible skill, ingenuity, and spiritual beliefs of the Inca civilization.
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