Machu Picchu: Unveiling The Lost City Of The Incas

American archaeologist and politician Hiram Bingham made history when he revealed to the world the 15th century citadel, standing 2,430 meters or 7,970 ft above sea level, perched on the ridge of the Andes Mountains in Peru. The archaeological discovery of the “lost city of the Incas” proclaimed to the world the magnificence of an Incan fortress made up of indescribable designs and extraordinary features. 

Although historians are still unsure about why it was built and why it was abandoned, the mystery only adds to the spectacle of the visual wonder and architectural masterpiece. With Bingham’s findings being questioned, experts continue to modify, correct, and uncover the legend of Machu Picchu, which was declared a UNESO world heritage site in 1983.

Image Source: travelculturemag.com

There are others who point out that Machu Picchu was merely a retreat built for Inca Ruler Pachacuti, who wasn’t quite fond of the noise and congestion in the city life. There were about 200 buildings in the site, each constructed with granite stones cut into polygonal blocks, which were fitted with precision against each other to hold the walls.

Experts are puzzled as to how the Incans were able to build such complex cities. They don’t know how the tribe made calculations and measurements but evidence suggests that they used dry stone technique to put together the bricks without using mortar, wheels, and any material to hold them together. The mortar-free construction is truly a remarkable feat, considering that granite stones are extremely hard to cut, even with use of modern equipment. Aside from the perfect smoothness, straightness, and alignment of the bricks, the earthquake-resistant quality of the structures was also noteworthy given that Peru endured many earthquakes over the time it has stood in the Andean mountain region. Though not much is known about its construction, it’s without a doubt a source of national pride and an architectural and engineering tour de force. 

Image Source: famouswonders.com

Machu Picchu is a dream destination for architect and interior designer Jonathan Bunge. Follow him on Twitter and join him in his journey towards some of the world’s best architectural sites.