Did you know that Machu Picchu was once home to around 750 people? It was constructed between 1438 and 1470 by Emperor Pachacutec. This historic site is rich in culture, attracting both scholars and travelers.
The name “Machu Picchu” means “Old Mountain” in Quechua. It’s just a small part of the story this ancient site holds.
Introduction to Machu Picchu’s Historical Significance
Machu Picchu is deeply important in the history of the Inca civilization. Built in the mid-15th century, it was a royal home for the emperor Pachacutec. It shows the best of Incan engineering and art.
The site has over 150 buildings, like temples and houses. These were built to fit perfectly with the landscape.
It sits at about 7,710 feet high, near Cuzco (from qosqo, meaning ‘dried-up lake bed’ or perhaps derived from cozco, a particular stone marker in the city), Peru. Visitors are amazed by its views and stone work. They climb over 3,000 stone steps to get there.
Travelers see this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a big draw for tourists, with hundreds of thousands visiting each year.
The Machu Picchu history shows a society that loved building and had a deep spiritual bond with nature. It was left untouched by the Spanish, keeping its secrets for centuries.
Today, archaeologists are learning more about Machu Picchu. They think it was a royal and spiritual place. This makes it key to understanding the Inca civilization.
What’s the Real Story Behind Machu Picchu’s Incan Name?
The name “Machu Picchu” comes from the Quechua language, meaning “Old Mountain.” But, research suggests a deeper history. The site, built around A.D. 1420, might have been called “Huayna Picchu,” or “New Mountain.” This shows how Incan names changed over time.
The Origin of the Name Machu Picchu
To understand Machu Picchu’s name, we must look at history and language. A Spanish record from 1539 mentions Picchu. But, locals called it Huayna Picchu in the late 16th century. Hiram Bingham, who found Machu Picchu in 1911, was told it was Huayna Picchu.
Alternative Names: Huayna Picchu and Picchu
Exploring alternative names sheds light on Machu Picchu’s past. Before the 20th century, it was known as Huayna Picchu or Picchu. A 1588 report showed locals wanted to go back to Huayna Picchu. This shows how outsiders misunderstood local names.
Even though its original name might be different, some want to keep Machu Picchu. They say it’s well-known and used in many books.
Machu Picchu’s Construction and Purpose
The story of Machu Picchu’s creation is fascinating. It shows the amazing skills of the Inca people. Built at 2,430 meters high, it blends with the mountains beautifully.
It has about 500 stone buildings over 116 square miles. This shows how well the Incas worked with their environment.
Architectural Marvel of the Inca Civilization
Machu Picchu is a true marvel of Incan architecture. The builders used granite stones without mortar. This shows their knowledge of strong structures.
They built terraced fields for farming and a smart drainage system. These show their understanding of living well with nature. It’s a testament to their technical skills and spiritual connection with the land.
The Role of Pachacutec in Its Creation
Pachacutec, the ninth Inca ruler, started Machu Picchu. He wanted it as a royal place and a farm. It could have had 300 to 1,000 people, including important ones and priests.
He used labor from conquered areas to build it. This showed the Inca Empire’s power during his time. Even though it was left, Machu Picchu shows the Incas’ creativity and dreams.
The Discovery of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was a mystery for centuries until American archaeologist Hiram Bingham found it in 1911. He was searching for the last Inca capitals, like Vitcos and Vilcabamba. But he found Machu Picchu instead. It’s key to remember that locals knew about this site long before Bingham.
Hiram Bingham: The Man Behind the Rediscovery
Bingham’s work made Machu Picchu famous, thanks to a National Geographic Society article in 1913. This article sparked a lot of interest and tourism. It also led to more studies on the Inca civilization.
But, there are debates about Bingham’s story of a “lost city.” These talks highlight the issues of colonial views and the complexity of historical discovery.
Impact of Machu Picchu’s Discovery on Peruvian History
The discovery of Machu Picchu changed Peruvian history a lot. It brought more tourists and made people explore Peru’s rich history. Visitors sparked debates about keeping cultural identity safe from commercialization.
Bingham’s work made people interested in Peru’s Inca history. This led to a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu’s historical and spiritual value. Today, Machu Picchu is a symbol of Peru’s past, attracting scholars and travelers.
