A Closer Look At The History Of Machu Picchu

By Divya G

The Inca Empire, which existed in 15th century pre-Columbian America, was regarded as the most significant civilization to ever live. Approximately 10 million people lived within the borders stretched from South America’s west coast all the way up to Colombia’s southern edge. Most of the border ran through the central part of Chile.

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The archaeologists uncovered numerous remnants of politically organized and highly developed Inca culture. And the brutal Spanish conquest during the 16th century nearly erased all of it. However, none succeeded in approaching the sacred mystique and physical majesty of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu, an abandoned cloud city, is located 46 miles from the Incan capital at Cusco in modern-day Peru. It remains nestled high within the Andes Mountains. In 1911, it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer. And ever since then, endless travelers have marveled at the precision-crafted stonework and the emerald green terraced gardens.

It is located above the roaring Urubamba River and has towering peaks above it. Machu Picchu embodies a large portion of the architectural splendor and science of agriculture and empire building. However, it still holds spiritual importance.

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Historians believe that emperor Pachacuti had Machu Picchu constructed during the mid-15th century. His reign was marked by the aggressive Incan imperial expansion that went beyond the Cusco valley. However, Pachacuti never intended Machu Picchu to become an enormous settlement. He intended for it to be a royal retreat and pilgrimage site for worshiping the Incan sun god.

Today, it’s a popular tourist spot, both for its beautiful views and rich cultural history.