Who Built The Machu Picchu In Peru

Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, continues to captivate the world with its architectural brilliance and historical significance. Understanding who built Machu Picchu requires delving into the history of the Inca civilization, archaeological evidence, and scholarly interpretations. This article explores the fascinating story of the construction of Machu Picchu, shedding light on the people, purpose, and legacy of this remarkable site.

The Inca Civilization: A Foundation for Machu Picchu

The Inca civilization, also known as the Inka civilization, flourished in the Andes region of South America from the 15th to 16th centuries. As the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, the Inca Empire, or Tawantinsuyu, extended across present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.

Rise of the Inca Empire

• Origins: The Inca people originated from the region of Cusco in the Peruvian highlands.
• Expansion: Under the leadership of rulers like Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui and his successors, the Inca expanded their territory through military conquest and strategic alliances.
• Administration: The Inca established a highly centralized government with a complex system of administration, infrastructure, and social organization.

Key Aspects of Inca Society

• Agriculture: The Inca were skilled agriculturalists, employing terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation to maximize food production in the challenging Andean environment.
• Engineering: Renowned for their engineering prowess, the Inca constructed an extensive network of roads, bridges, and aqueducts to connect their vast empire.
• Architecture: Inca architecture is characterized by precise stonework, trapezoidal shapes, and integration with the natural landscape.
• Religion: The Inca worshipped a pantheon of gods, with the sun god, Inti, being the most important. Religious rituals and ceremonies played a central role in Inca society.

The Construction of Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Builders

Machu Picchu is widely attributed to the Inca civilization, specifically to the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Inca ruler. Historical and archaeological evidence supports this attribution, providing insights into the purpose and construction of the citadel.

Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui: The Visionary Ruler

• Reign: Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui ruled the Inca Empire from approximately 1438 to 1471.
• Achievements: He is credited with transforming the Inca state from a regional kingdom into a vast empire through military conquests and administrative reforms.
• Vision for Machu Picchu: It is believed that Pachacuti commissioned the construction of Machu Picchu as a royal estate, ceremonial center, and religious sanctuary.

Evidence Supporting Inca Construction

• Architectural Style: The architectural style of Machu Picchu is consistent with classic Inca design, featuring precisely cut stones, trapezoidal doorways and windows, and terraced landscapes.
• Inca Stonework: The meticulous stonework at Machu Picchu, with stones fitted together without mortar, is a hallmark of Inca engineering and craftsmanship.
• Ceramic and Artifact Finds: Archaeological excavations at Machu Picchu have uncovered numerous Inca artifacts, including pottery, tools, and ceremonial objects, further linking the site to the Inca civilization.
• Historical Chronicles: Spanish chronicles and indigenous accounts suggest that Machu Picchu was built during the reign of Pachacuti, although specific details about its construction are limited.

The Workforce: Who Were the Builders?

The construction of Machu Picchu required a significant labor force, drawn from various parts of the Inca Empire. These builders were skilled artisans, engineers, and laborers who contributed their expertise to the creation of the citadel.

• Mit'a Labor System: The Inca utilized the mit'a system, a form of mandatory public service, to mobilize labor for large-scale construction projects.
• Skilled Craftsmen: Expert stonemasons, architects, and engineers were responsible for designing and constructing the structures at Machu Picchu.
• Laborers: A large contingent of laborers, drawn from conquered territories and local communities, performed the manual labor of quarrying, transporting, and shaping stones.
• Organization and Supervision: Inca administrators and overseers managed the workforce, ensuring that construction proceeded according to plan and that resources were allocated efficiently.

The Purpose of Machu Picchu: Royal Estate, Ceremonial Center, and More

Machu Picchu served multiple purposes during its occupation, reflecting the complex social, political, and religious dynamics of the Inca Empire.

Royal Estate

• Private Retreat: Machu Picchu may have served as a private retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacuti and his royal family, providing a sanctuary away from the capital city of Cusco.
• Agricultural Production: The terraced landscapes surrounding Machu Picchu were used for agricultural production, supplying food for the inhabitants of the citadel.
• Royal Residence: The presence of palatial structures and elite residences suggests that Machu Picchu was designed to accommodate the Inca elite and their entourage.

Ceremonial Center

• Religious Significance: Machu Picchu contains numerous religious structures, including temples, shrines, and sacred plazas, indicating its importance as a ceremonial center.
• Inti Watana: The Inti Watana, a carved stone pillar, is believed to have served as a solar clock or calendar, used to track the movements of the sun and mark important astronomical events.
• Temple of the Sun: The Temple of the Sun, also known as the Torreón, is a circular structure that may have been used for religious rituals and astronomical observations.

Strategic Location

• Defensive Position: Machu Picchu's location high in the mountains, surrounded by steep cliffs and valleys, provided a natural defensive advantage against potential invaders.
• Control of Trade Routes: The citadel may have played a role in controlling trade routes and access to resources in the surrounding region.
• Symbol of Power: The construction of Machu Picchu in such a remote and challenging location served as a symbol of Inca power and engineering prowess.

Architectural Marvels of Machu Picchu: A Testament to Inca Ingenuity

The architecture of Machu Picchu is a testament to Inca ingenuity, showcasing their mastery of stonework, engineering, and urban planning.

Key Architectural Features

• Terraces: The terraced landscapes of Machu Picchu are both functional and aesthetic, providing level platforms for agriculture and construction while also preventing erosion.
• Precise Stonework: The stones used in the construction of Machu Picchu were meticulously cut and fitted together without the use of mortar, creating walls that have withstood centuries of earthquakes and weathering.
• Trapezoidal Shapes: Trapezoidal doorways, windows, and niches are a common feature of Inca architecture, providing structural stability and visual harmony.
• Integration with the Landscape: The buildings and structures of Machu Picchu are carefully integrated with the natural landscape, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountains and forests.

Notable Structures

• Temple of the Three Windows: The Temple of the Three Windows is a significant religious structure featuring three trapezoidal windows that may have been used for astronomical observations.
• Intihuatana Stone: The Intihuatana Stone is a carved rock that served as a solar clock or calendar, used to track the movements of the sun and mark important dates.
• Royal Tomb: The Royal Tomb is a cave-like structure beneath the Temple of the Sun that may have served as a burial site for Inca royalty.
• Principal Temple: The Principal Temple is one of the most important religious sites in Machu Picchu, showcasing the Incas’ impressive masonry skills.

Theories and Controversies: Unraveling the Mysteries

Despite extensive research and archaeological investigations, several theories and controversies surround the history and purpose of Machu Picchu.

Alternative Theories

• Lost City of the Inca: Some researchers have proposed that Machu Picchu may have been the "Lost City of the Inca," a legendary refuge sought by Inca rulers during the Spanish conquest.
• Religious Sanctuary: Others suggest that Machu Picchu was primarily a religious sanctuary, dedicated to the worship of the sun god Inti and other deities.
• Astronomical Observatory: The presence of the Inti Watana and other astronomical features has led some to believe that Machu Picchu served as an important astronomical observatory.

Controversies

• Discovery and Excavation: The circumstances surrounding the discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911 have been the subject of debate, with some claiming that local farmers had known about the site for years.
• Repatriation of Artifacts: The repatriation of artifacts taken from Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham to Yale University has been a contentious issue, with the Peruvian government seeking their return.
• Tourism and Preservation: The increasing number of tourists visiting Machu Picchu has raised concerns about the preservation of the site and its impact on the surrounding environment.

Machu Picchu After the Inca: Abandonment and Rediscovery

The history of Machu Picchu after the decline of the Inca Empire is shrouded in mystery, with the site remaining largely unknown to the outside world for centuries.

Abandonment

• Reasons for Abandonment: The reasons for the abandonment of Machu Picchu are not entirely clear, but may have been related to the Spanish conquest, disease, or internal conflict within the Inca Empire.
• Secrecy: The remote location of Machu Picchu and the lack of written records contributed to its obscurity, allowing it to remain hidden from the Spanish colonizers.

Rediscovery

• Hiram Bingham: Hiram Bingham, an American historian and explorer, is credited with rediscovering Machu Picchu in 1911, although local farmers had known about the site for years.
• National Geographic: Bingham's expedition was sponsored by the National Geographic Society, which published articles and photographs that brought Machu Picchu to international attention.

Machu Picchu Today

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
• Tourist Destination: Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its architectural wonders and stunning natural setting.
• Preservation Efforts: Ongoing preservation efforts are aimed at protecting Machu Picchu from the impacts of tourism, erosion, and climate change, ensuring that it remains a legacy for future generations.

The Enduring Legacy of Machu Picchu: A Symbol of Inca Civilization

Machu Picchu stands as a testament to the ingenuity, skill, and cultural achievements of the Inca civilization. Its enduring legacy continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.

Cultural Significance

• Symbol of Inca Identity: Machu Picchu has become a symbol of Inca identity and cultural heritage, representing the achievements of a civilization that once ruled a vast empire.
• Architectural Inspiration: The architectural style of Machu Picchu has influenced architects and designers around the world, inspiring new approaches to sustainable and harmonious building.
• Tourism and Economic Impact: Machu Picchu has a significant economic impact on Peru, generating revenue from tourism and creating jobs for local communities.

Preservation and Conservation

• Ongoing Efforts: Ongoing preservation and conservation efforts are essential to protect Machu Picchu from the impacts of tourism, erosion, and climate change.
• Sustainable Tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism practices is crucial to minimizing the environmental impact of tourism and ensuring that Machu Picchu remains a legacy for future generations.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in the preservation and management of Machu Picchu is essential to fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship.

In conclusion, Machu Picchu was built by the Inca civilization, primarily during the reign of Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. It served as a royal estate, ceremonial center, and strategic stronghold, showcasing the Inca's remarkable architectural and engineering skills. The enduring legacy of Machu Picchu as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Inca culture continues to inspire and captivate people worldwide. Through ongoing preservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices, this ancient citadel will remain a testament to the ingenuity and cultural achievements of the Inca civilization for generations to come.