What is the Lesser Known About Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu, the citadel of the Incas in the Andes of Peru, is famous worldwide and is one of the most outstanding examples of ancient architecture.
Though recognized as a part of the UNESCO World Heritage and one of the protagonists of the New Seven Wonders of the World, lots of people don’t know some important historical facts associated with this place.
This guide provides expert insights on overlooked facets of the historic Incan site, CulturesMenu, such as history, mystery, and features.
Less Discussed Facts About Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is not just one of the most amazing tourist attractions in Peru, but it has several historical backgrounds. You can’t tour this ancient architectural city in one day. Here are some facts about Machu Picchu that many people are unaware of.
Its actual goal remains undisclosed
To this day, it remains unclear what the Incas used Machu Picchu for. Different theories have attributed the site’s construction to being used as a palace of the Inca monarch Pachacuti, a religious center, or an astronomical complex. The orientation of the structures and terraces follows astronomical happenings, which supports the concept of an astronomical connection in Inca culture.
The Spanish conquerors never found it
Unlike many Inca cities captured and plundered by the Spanish invaders, Machu Picchu remained isolated and preserved. Due to its distance and dense jungle growth, it has remained inaccessible; the tower and ashes have remained intact.
It has a modern and efficient sewerage system
Machu Picchu has one of the most elaborate drainage systems to avoid water-caused damage since it was built in the region of the Andes, which is permanently wet most of the time. The site’s construction is 57% below the ground level, comprising foundation stones and water-conducting channels. This has ensured that the citadel remains unbitten to date.
The granite stones were dressed without the use of mortar
Machu Picchu was built with enormous granite stones that were fitted so well that a blade of grass could not be inserted between them. This method of finally putting the dry stone into construction, known as ashlar, was done without cement. The precision made it possible to construct structures that would effectively withstand earthquakes prevalent in the area.
It’s an astronomical wonder
Amazingly, the city’s layout and most structures had astronomical engineering attached. The Intihuatana stone, or the “Hitching Post of the Sun,” may have been a solar clock or calendar. A feature carved on the monument is that at the time of the equinox, the sun’s rays will directly illuminate the stone, making it appear as though it has no shadow.
Dominated by extraordinary variants of living organisms
Machu Picchu is in a bio-divergent zone, the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. The flora includes more than 400 species of orchids, while fauna represents several endangered animals, such as the spectacled bear, Andean condor, and bright hummingbirds. Just like the site, the structure’s context is equally fascinating.
The organization is faced with environmental issues
The escalating influx of tourists to Machu Picchu has its consequences. More than a million people visit the site every year; this pressure leads to deterioration in the site’s ecosystem and archaeological structures. UNESCO has warned of erosion, littering, and overcrowdedness. These include limiting access, getting timed tickets, and other paths chosen to protect the site.
Why Is Machu Picchu Referred to as the Lost City?
Machu Picchu is also known as the “Lost City of the Incas.” This site is perhaps one of the most revered ancient settlements in the world. For this reason, most people coined the term ‘Lost City’ following its rediscovery by an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. But the history of the name given to this place is as colorful as the history of the place.
City swallowed by time and taken over by the forces of nature
Machu Picchu was probably constructed in the mid-fifteenth century by the Inca Emperor Pachacuti as a country residence or religious site. Surprisingly, while this was truly an Inca city and was crucial to the lifestyle of the Inca nobility, it was deserted in the 16th century or the early years of the Spanish intrusion into the Peru region.
While the Spanish conquerors were familiar with other important Inca centers, such as Cusco and Vilcabamba, Machu Picchu was not.
Misconceptions about the name
The title “Lost City” is somewhat of a misnomer. The travel, however, revealed that Machu Picchu was never hidden from the indigenous people of the region, who called it Machu Picchu, literally the Old Mountain.
It is categorized into the known vehicle families. Still, it was unknown to the world until the early twentieth century, which created curiosity and was called the ‘plane.’
As a symbol of regeneration and awe
What makes Machu Picchu “lost” is that the architectural masterpiece became hidden when the Inca nation was smoking out its representatives or Spanish conquistadors defeated its glory. Its discovery has provided evidence of advanced engineering, Astronomy, and architecture to the world, symbolizing resilience and mystery.
Today, its mystery contributes to its name as the ‘Lost City of Machu Picchu.’ They evoke ancient narratives and cultures that history briefly demises but can never eliminate.
Conclusion
Machu Picchu is not only a beautiful archaeological site of amazing fascination, it is much more than that. Her mysteries, architecture, and history make the site a history every time one walks through the structures. Knowledge of such less obvious features adds value to any journey, as it helps to realize just how much the Inca people achieved regarding engineering and spirituality.
Peeling off the layers of Machu Picchu, one can understand its importance in the history of our world and its significance in the present world. Finally, visiting Machu Picchu may require expert guides to take you around and offer historical backgrounds. Guru Explorers is one of the best tour guides you should deal with regarding your trip to Machu Picchu. With Guru Explorers, your trip will be worthwhile.