Unraveling the Mysteries: Surprising Facts About Machu Picchu

The Name “Machu Picchu” Means “Old Peak”

Machu Picchu translates to “old peak” in the Quechua language, which was the language spoken by the Incas. The name refers to the mountain on which the citadel was built. Despite the site’s significance, the city’s name was never recorded in the Inca chronicles. It remains unclear what the original inhabitants called their city.

Machu Picchu Was a Royal Retreat

Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century as a retreat for Incan emperor Pachacuti and his family. The site was used for less than 100 years before being abandoned, possibly due to the Spanish conquest. The Incas likely chose this location due to its strategic position, natural defenses, and access to fresh water and fertile land.

Machu Picchu Was Rediscovered by Accident

Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the outside world until American explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon the site in 1911. Bingham, who was searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba, was led to Machu Picchu by a local farmer who showed him the ruins. Bingham’s discovery sparked international interest in the site. It has since become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

Machu Picchu Has Three Distinct Areas

Machu Picchu can be divided into three main areas: the agricultural sector, the urban sector, and the religious sector. The agricultural sector includes terraced fields and irrigation systems that allowed the Incas to cultivate crops at high altitudes. The urban sector includes residential and administrative buildings, while the religious sector features temples, altars, and ceremonial plazas.

Machu Picchu Was Built Without Mortar

One of the most remarkable engineering feats of Machu Picchu is the precision with which its massive stone blocks were cut and fitted together. The Incas did not use mortar or cement to bind the stones, relying instead on precise stone cutting and fitting techniques. The result is a remarkably stable and durable structure that has withstood centuries of earthquakes and weathering.

Machu Picchu Is Aligned with the Cardinal Directions

The Incas had an advanced understanding of astronomy and cosmology, which is evident in the layout of Machu Picchu. The city’s main axis is aligned with the cardinal directions, and many of its structures are oriented towards astronomical events such as the winter solstice. The Incas believed that their alignment with the cosmos would bring them good fortune and prosperity.

Machu Picchu Was Likely Abandoned Due to Disease

While the exact reason for Machu Picchu’s abandonment is unknown, historians believe that disease may have played a role. Smallpox and other European diseases were devastating to the Incan population, and it’s possible that the site was abandoned due to an outbreak. Another theory is that the city was abandoned due to political upheaval and the Spanish conquest, which led to the downfall of the Incan empire.

Machu Picchu Was Never Conquered by the Spanish

Despite the Spanish conquest of Peru, Machu Picchu was never discovered or captured by the conquistadors. The site remained hidden for centuries, preserved by the jungle and its remote location. It was not until the early 20th century that Machu Picchu was brought to the world’s attention.

Machu Picchu Is a UNESCO World Heritage

Site In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, in recognition of its outstanding cultural and natural value. The site attracts over a million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. However, this popularity has also led to concerns about the impact of tourism on the site’s fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage.

Machu Picchu Has Many Unsolved Mysteries

Despite decades of research and excavation, many mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu remain unsolved. For example, the purpose of the site’s many water features, such as fountains and channels, is still a matter of speculation. Similarly, the exact function of many of the buildings and structures within the city remains unclear. As research and conservation efforts continue, new discoveries and insights into the secrets of Machu Picchu are likely to emerge.