2007-02-12 14:09:24 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Latin America ➔ Peru
Machu Picchu is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire. Since 1983 the site has been designated as a United Nations Educational World Heritage Site and has been the subject of concern about damage caused by tourism.
It is thought that the city was built by the Sapa Inca Pachacuti, starting in about 1440, and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1532. Archaeological evidence (together with recent work on early colonial documents) shows that Machu Picchu was not a conventional city, but a country retreat town for Inca nobility (similar to the Roman villas). The site has a large palace and temples dedicated to Inca deities around a courtyard, with other buildings for support staff. It is estimated that a maximum of only about 750 people resided in Machu Picchu at any one time, and probably only a small fraction of that number lived in the town during the rainy season and when none of the nobility were visiting.
It is thought that the site was chosen for its unique location and geological features. It is said that the silhouette of the mountain range behind Machu Picchu represents the face of the Inca looking upward towards the sky, with the largest peak, Huayna Picchu (meaning Young Peak), representing his nose.
In 1913, the site received significant publicity after the National Geographic Society devoted their entire April 1913 issue to Machu Picchu.
2007-02-12 14:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by onedrop808 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Machu Picchu is of rather minor archaeological significance. But it is in a mind boggling beautiful setting. Sure, the photos you've seen look nice, but when you are there, surrounded by 360 degrees of panoramic splendor, it is truly one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in the world.
For the best enjoyment, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Seeing the Vilcabamba range, the Urubamba Canyon, the ruins of Winay Wayna (and Winay Wayna Falls), will attenuate your immersion in natural beauty.
2007-02-13 13:41:02 · answer #2 · answered by Dendronbat Crocoduck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Machu Picchu or Machu Pikchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge ... Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a ... En route Bingham asked local people to show them Inca ruins.
2016-06-15 23:59:35 · answer #3 · answered by Aron 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shows a very evolved civilization in the early Americas.
2007-02-12 14:12:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably, the fact that it's located at a very high altitude, in a very beautiful and remote landscape
2007-02-12 14:15:40 · answer #5 · answered by Nessie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋