Machu Picchu History
Machu Picchu was an Inca site built in the 15th century, most likely constructed as an estate for emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). This popular archaeological site is located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu, District, Peru on a mountain ridge above the sacred valley. This makes the site 2430 meters (7970 feet) above sea level.
Although Machu Picchu was a very beautiful place, it was abandoned by most citizens during the Spanish Conquest. The remaining inhabitants likely died from smallpox. Later on in history, the site, though hidden by overgrown plants and untouched during the Spanish during the Spanish Conquest, may have been plundered by Agusto Berns.
Machu Picchu was a well built settlement, with four sections, urban, agricultural, and the upper and lower town. The residential district was for lower classes, with storage buildings and simple homes. Buildings with long, extended terraces resided in the agricultural sector, creating irrigation systems that cooperated with the landscape surrounding it. …show more content…
These structures were dedicated to the sun God, Inti, their greatest deity. Evidence shows that citizens made dirt, liquid, animal, and even human sacrifices to this God.
With weather conditions, and the expected process of erosion, the once popular location was worn down and had become mere ruins. Though Machu Picchu was referenced on maps as early as 1874, it was left to rot when it became hidden by overgrown vegetation. In 1911, though, this was brought to attention by Hiram Bingham that the site needed to be restored.
The wonderful site of Machu Picchu is now a very popular tourist attraction which unfortunately is very likely to be placed, unfortunately, on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Hopefully we'll be able to keep this beautiful piece of history on Earth for much
Although Machu Picchu was a very beautiful place, it was abandoned by most citizens during the Spanish Conquest. The remaining inhabitants likely died from smallpox. Later on in history, the site, though hidden by overgrown plants and untouched during the Spanish during the Spanish Conquest, may have been plundered by Agusto Berns.
Machu Picchu was a well built settlement, with four sections, urban, agricultural, and the upper and lower town. The residential district was for lower classes, with storage buildings and simple homes. Buildings with long, extended terraces resided in the agricultural sector, creating irrigation systems that cooperated with the landscape surrounding it. …show more content…
These structures were dedicated to the sun God, Inti, their greatest deity. Evidence shows that citizens made dirt, liquid, animal, and even human sacrifices to this God.
With weather conditions, and the expected process of erosion, the once popular location was worn down and had become mere ruins. Though Machu Picchu was referenced on maps as early as 1874, it was left to rot when it became hidden by overgrown vegetation. In 1911, though, this was brought to attention by Hiram Bingham that the site needed to be restored.
The wonderful site of Machu Picchu is now a very popular tourist attraction which unfortunately is very likely to be placed, unfortunately, on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Hopefully we'll be able to keep this beautiful piece of history on Earth for much