Machu Picchu

Definition

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel situated high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in South America and a renowned symbol of the Inca civilization's architectural and engineering prowess.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, and it is believed to have been abandoned shortly after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century.
2. The site is located at an elevation of over 7,900 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, and it is surrounded by the Andes Mountains, which provided a natural defensive position for the Inca settlement.
3. Machu Picchu is renowned for its sophisticated stone architecture, which includes buildings, plazas, and terraced agricultural fields, all constructed without the use of mortar.
4. The site was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the attention of the international community and sparked a renewed interest in Inca history and culture.
5. Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Review Questions

• Describe the historical significance of Machu Picchu within the context of the Inca Empire.
  • Machu Picchu was a significant site within the Inca Empire, serving as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century. As a well-preserved example of Inca architecture and engineering, Machu Picchu provides valuable insights into the cultural, political, and technological achievements of the Inca civilization. The site's strategic location in the Andes Mountains also highlights the Inca's ability to construct settlements in challenging terrain, demonstrating their impressive adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Explain the role of Machu Picchu in the broader context of pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas.
  • Machu Picchu represents a pinnacle of architectural and engineering accomplishments in the Americas prior to European contact. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site is recognized for its outstanding universal value in showcasing the ingenuity and sophistication of the Inca civilization, which dominated much of western South America. Machu Picchu's rediscovery in the early 20th century also sparked a renewed interest in the study and preservation of pre-Columbian cultures, contributing to a deeper understanding of the diverse indigenous societies that flourished in the Americas before the arrival of European colonizers.
• Analyze the significance of Machu Picchu's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its impact on the preservation and study of Inca heritage.
  • The designation of Machu Picchu as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 has had a profound impact on the preservation and study of Inca heritage. This recognition has helped to ensure the protection and conservation of the site, which faces ongoing challenges from environmental factors and increased tourism. The UNESCO designation has also elevated the global awareness and appreciation of Inca culture, leading to increased research, educational initiatives, and sustainable tourism practices that aim to balance the site's preservation with its accessibility to visitors. Furthermore, Machu Picchu's status as a World Heritage Site has reinforced the importance of safeguarding the cultural and natural heritage of pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, contributing to a broader understanding and preservation of indigenous legacies.

Related terms

Inca Empire: The Inca Empire was a powerful pre-Columbian civilization that dominated western South America in the 15th and 16th centuries, with its capital in Cusco, Peru.

Andes Mountains: The Andes Mountains are a major mountain range in South America, running the length of the western coast of the continent, known for their high elevations and diverse ecosystems.

Quechua: Quechua is the indigenous language family of the Andes region, spoken by the Inca and other Andean civilizations, and remains widely used in Peru and neighboring countries today.