Machu Picchu Research Paper

Machu Picchu is an ancient citadel positioned on a remote mountaintop in the Andes, country of Peru. The site occupies around 80,000 acres and was occupied by the Inca Empire. It is believed this majestic site was built in 1450 lead by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth ruler of the Inca. While there is no confirmed purpose of the ancient city, many have theorised it was a royal estate, a retreat, recreation place or a sacred religious site for Inca leaders. 100 years after its construction, Machu Picchu had been abandoned by the Inca civilisation. The reason remains unknown, however, the most supposed idea was that of an outbreak of smallpox disease, which killed much of the population resulting in difficult maintenance of the city.

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Indescribable designs and great architectural organization makes this site so incredible and ultimately verifies the Inca civilisation was one of the most advanced in history. In Machu Picchu there are 140 stone buildings, comprised of houses, temples, food deposits, water fountains, a guard house, an agricultural production area, irrigation systems, waterways, a jail and other facilities. The complex city was built off raw materials found on the mountains. The buildings were made from only heavy granite stones and natural materials. These stones are extremely difficult to cut even with current technology so it’s impossible to imagine how the Inca’s managed. The Inca’s best known building technique is that of fine masonry, in which carefully shaped stones fit together perfectly without mortar or cement. Yet this was a tedious and slow method. Their method has been proven effective as the buildings have been resistant till this day. Overall, the architecture of Machu Picchu demonstrates the Inca’s ability to create suitable architecture for the surrounding environment especially with lack of proper

These are agriculture, building, and city maintenance. Machu Picchu is divided into 3 districts: the Sacred District, the Popular District, and the Royal District. The popular district was the residential area for the lower class Incas. People in this sector were expected to be constantly working. In the Sacred District the Incas performed mystical practices, rituals and held ceremonies. It is thought the population gathered here frequently. Thirdly, the Royal District was where the high class Incas lived. These included the rich, the leaders, the priests and emperor. The buildings in this sector are also much roomier than those in the popular district. These people lived a life of luxury and relaxation. Through the infrastructure, facilities and separation of sectors in the city, it is evident a social structure existed in the Inca civilisation and an assumption of occupations in Inca daily life can be made.

The Incas were incredibly religious and this is shown through the many temples and the designated sacred sector. There were many significant religious structures but the main sacral element still standing today is called the Intihuatana Stone. It is surrounded by a terrace, and is given the name ‘The Sun Temple’. The intihuatana stone is believed to have been an astronomical clock or calendar. It was used as an altar, in