Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost Castle, is an ancient mountaintop city built by the Inca people in the fifteenth century. This incredible city is located in Cuzco, Peru, nestled between two mountains in the Andes mountain range, 2340 meters above sea level, with a 600-meter abyss on both sides. In 1983, UNESCO classified Machu Picchu as a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Discovery:
Machu Picchu was discovered by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, on July 24, 1911, covered with dense tropical forests. Bingham stumbled upon the ruins by chance while searching for the ruins of the Incas destroyed by the Spaniards. He saw the city walls covered with papers, houses carefully arranged, and realized that a large city had been established in this place.
Construction:
Machu Picchu is built in a modern style that doesn’t fit with an ancient civilization that didn’t know how to write. The city contains neat small streets, buildings, palaces, temples, gardens, irrigation canals, and bathing pools. It’s amazing that the entire city is built of large stones stacked on top of each other without any installation tools. Despite its beauty and genius, this is not the only distinction of Machu Picchu. UNESCO listed Machu Picchu on the World Heritage List in 1983.
Geography:
Machu Picchu is located at a height of 2223 meters above sea level and is located on the brink of two abysses surrounding it with a 600-meter slope covered with dense forests. The Ulu Banba River flows below it, making this mysterious city look majestic.
History:
Machu Picchu was nicknamed the “Lost City” of the ancient Inca people. The word “Machu Picchu” in the ancient Incan language means “the peak of the ancient mountain.” There is no written record of the history of the Inca because the Inca civilization did not have a writing system. The city is ranked among the list of the ten ancient holy places in the world because of its environment, which is distinguished by a sacred, magical and faith-like atmosphere.
The reason for its construction remains a mystery to researchers, but scientists think that it was not for living, but for offerings, as they found lots of women’s bodies in this city. This is consistent with what we know about the Inca people’s worship of the sun and their belief that women are the sacred daughters of the sun. It is believed that the city was built in the late 15th century, a place for offerings and other religious activities.
Conclusion:
Machu Picchu is a place of wonder, and its presence prompts people to discover and learn more about this magical and clever ancient civilization. Today, more than half a million tourists visit this Hanging Garden every year. If you want to experience the incredible beauty and history of Machu Picchu, plan a visit to Peru and see it for yourself.
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