10 interesting facts about Machu Picchu

The rest of the Andes in Peru is home to a fascinating cultural heritage dating back to the 15th century. One of the most majestic and unusual structures of the past, the ancient city of Machu Picchu has been in a difficult situation with time and harsh natural conditions in the “Sacred Valley” in Peru for hundreds of years. Some of the secrets of the ancient city, considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of modern times, cannot be revealed even today.

Because we have almost no written sources about the ancient city of Machu Picchu. In other words, we do not know exactly why and how people who lived a long time ago, in what conditions built this incredible city. But there is also something we know about Machu Picchu. Here are 10 interesting facts about Machu Picchu that you probably haven’t heard about yet.

1. Machu Picchu means “Old Hill” or “Old Mountain” in the ancient Inca language.

However, it is not known whether this ancient city was called that when it was first built. However, there are experts who believe that the city has been referred to in this way since its inception. Because the ancient city, Machu Picchu (mountain) and the name of Huayna Picchu, is located in the Sacred Valley between two mountains.

2. Discovered (counted) in 1911!

However, it has stood where it is today since the 15th century! Yes, when Machu Picchu was discovered it was a bit of a mess.

In 1911, the American Hiram Bingham witnessed this incredible creation of the Inca civilization and introduced the Western world to this precious treasure. Looking at this part of history, we can conclude that Machu Picchu was discovered by an archaeologist named Hiram Bingham.

However, a Peruvian guide named Melchor Arteaga took him to the ancient city of Bingham. In other words, the inhabitants of the region have known for many years what this mysterious city is and where it is located. What we can say from this side of the story is that Machu Picchu was never discovered because it was never truly lost!

3. Early excavations at Machu Picchu led to the idea that the city was a sanctuary built for Inca nuns.

Excavations in 1912 led by Hiram Bingham, the “discoverer” of the city, found a large number of human skeletons in the city. According to Bingham, the vast majority of skeletons discovered hundreds of years ago belonged to Inca women. So Machu Picchu could have been a sanctuary built for the Sun Maidens in the Inca religion!

But Bingham was wrong. In later years, it became clear that most of the skeletons found in this region belonged to men, not women. Thus, the theory of the American archaeologist was refuted.

4. Machu Picchu was not a temple built for “human sacrifice”.

However, especially in the early days when the Western world knew about the ancient city, it was believed that the city was actually built by the Incas specifically for human sacrifice. Because human sacrifice was a very common practice in the Inca civilization and ignorance of many details about Machu Picchu led to this idea. However, scientific research over the years has failed to find conclusive evidence that the city was used for this purpose.

5. Probably built for the rulers of the Inca Empire.

There are many theories about why the ancient city of Machu Picchu was built. According to some reports, it was originally built as an outpost of the Incas. According to some reports, it was the educational center of the Inca civilization. But the most common theory today is none of them.

Many experts, based on the results of research and research in the area, believe that Machu Picchu was a palace built for Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who ruled the Inca Empire at that time.

6. There are about 200 different buildings in Machu Picchu.

Among these buildings are trading houses, temples and baths.

7. How this complex of buildings was built is still a big mystery.

Experts say that each stone used in the construction of buildings in the city weighs more than 20 kilograms. Well, considering the huge stones from which the pyramids in Egypt were built, you might think that the buildings in Machu Picchu were built with ease. However, this thought will lead you to a big delusion.

Because getting to the area where the ancient city is located is not easy without modern amenities. To get to the city, you need to cross long and bumpy roads, move along narrow paths and do not roll over huge rocks!

8. All buildings here are earthquake resistant.

Actually, it is thanks to this that the city has existed for hundreds of years. Because Machu Picchu is built at a very dangerous point where two different fault lines intersect. What makes the buildings in the city earthquake-resistant is the unique building technology of the Inca civilization.

The buildings in Machu Picchu are built with the perfect “weave” of the stones used, just like Lego. So much so that it is impossible even to stick the tip of a small knife between these intertwined stones!

9. Currently, you do not need to go hiking to Machu Picchu.

You can also visit this incredible city by taking the train from Aguas Calientes, located right below the ancient city.

10. Farming was made possible in Machu Picchu by the perfect urban planning of the Inca civilization.

Although the city is built in a very complex geography, we know that the Incas were engaged in agriculture in Machu Picchu. When the Incas were building the city, they built over 600 terraces to keep the city from slipping. Some of them grew various plants and fruits. However, due to the geographic structure of the region, agricultural land in the city was completely inadequate.