The Origins of Machu Picchu...

TL;DR

Machu Picchu's megalithic roots may date back much further than the Inca civilization, according to evidence from architectural styles and oral histories.

Transcript

Machu Picchu is one of the best-known ancient sites anywhere on earth it's an astonishingly beautiful place an incredibly well-preserved ancient city perched high above the sacred Valley of Peru it was spared destruction by the Spanish conquistadors that were pillaging the Inca in the 16th century as although they passed through the valleys below t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪘 Machu Picchu's megalithic architecture and unique styles indicate a longer history than just the Inca civilization.
• ❓ The Inca civilization likely inhabited and modified the site, but they may not have been the original builders.
• 🪸 Oral histories from the Inca themselves mention a megalithic civilization that predates them by thousands of years.
• 🥺 The rediscovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham brought the site to global attention and led to further exploration and restoration efforts.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is credited with building Machu Picchu?

The Inca civilization is often credited, but there is evidence to suggest that the megalithic core of the site predates the Inca.

Q: How old is Machu Picchu?

The site's origins are uncertain, but it is believed to have been built between 1450 and 1470 by the Inca civilization. However, some aspects of the site may date back much further.

Q: What evidence supports the theory of older origins for Machu Picchu?

The megalithic architecture and different architectural styles found at the site suggest that it has a longer history than just the Inca civilization. Additionally, oral histories passed down by the Inca themselves mention a megalithic civilization that existed thousands of years ago.

Q: How was Machu Picchu rediscovered?

American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site in 1911, but local Peruvian farmers and explorers had already been living near and exploring the site in the late 1800s.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Machu Picchu is a well-preserved ancient city located in Peru, known for its megalithic architecture and stunning beauty.

• The Inca are often credited with building Machu Picchu, but evidence suggests that its origins may stretch back even further.

• American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, but local Peruvian farmers and explorers had already discovered the site in the previous century.