Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu's purpose?

  • The absence of evidence makes its exact purpose unclear. (correct)
  • There are extensive written records detailing its function.
  • It served solely as a military outpost.
  • It was simply a resort for Inca nobility.

    • What significant achievement did the Inca Empire accomplish in terms of infrastructure?

  • They constructed bridges made entirely of wood.
  • They built a single road connecting all major cities.
  • They developed an extensive road network over 10,000 miles. (correct)
  • They created an underground subway system.

    • Who is credited with the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911?

  • Hiram Bingham (correct)
  • John Verano
  • Pachacuti
  • Francisco Pizarro

    • What did John Verano's study reveal about the skeletal remains at Machu Picchu?

    <p>There was an equal distribution of male and female skeletons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What material was predominantly used in the construction of Machu Picchu?

    <p>Granite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was significant about Machu Picchu's location?

    <p>It was strategically located for water and granite supply.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under whose reign was Machu Picchu built?

    <p>Pachacuti</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributed to the prevention of erosion at Machu Picchu?

    <p>A complex system of terraces and drainage channels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of Machu Picchu for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti?

    <p>A royal estate for leisure and worship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors contributed to the abandonment of Machu Picchu?

    <p>The death of Pachacuti and decline of his dynasty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Inca view the natural landscape around Machu Picchu?

    <p>As sacred, worshipping elements as deities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which engineering techniques did the Inca use in constructing structures like Machu Picchu?

    <p>Levers and wedges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about the skeletons found at Machu Picchu?

    <p>The population was diverse, including servants and laborers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did mummies play in Inca society?

    <p>They continued to hold spiritual and political power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What message did the strategic location of Machu Picchu communicate?

    <p>A symbol of Inca power and dominance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happened to Machu Picchu during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire?

    <p>It remained largely unknown and preserved</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Machu Picchu: A City of Mysteries

    • Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca mountain city located in the Peruvian Andes.
    • The city is built on a narrow ridge at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet.
    • Machu Picchu was thought to be the lost city of Vilcabamba, a refuge for the last Inca emperor.
    • The city boasts more than 200 structures, including homes, temples, fountains, and pools.
    • The city's construction is remarkable, featuring intricately cut stones without the use of mortar.
    • Machu Picchu's purpose remains a mystery, with no written records or carvings to explain its use.

    The Inca Empire

    • The Inca Empire flourished from the mid-1400s to the early 1600s.
    • The Inca developed an impressive road network spanning over 10,000 miles.
    • They were renowned for their engineering and construction skills, creating terraces, canals, and stone cities.
    • The Inca Empire was conquered by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s.
    • The Inca's complex system of knotted strings called quipu provided a form of record-keeping but lacked written language.

    Hiram Bingham and the Discovery

    • Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu on July 24, 1911.
    • He initially believed the city to be Vilcabamba, the lost city of the Inca.
    • Bingham's discovery was widely documented, and his narrative about the "Virgins of the Sun" gained popularity.

    Challenging the Narrative

    • Forensic anthropologist John Verano's study of the skeletal remains at Machu Picchu refuted Bingham's theory of the "Virgins of the Sun."
    • The study found an almost equal distribution of male and female skeletons, discrediting the notion of a convent for virgins.
    • The absence of Spanish desecration and the lack of evidence supporting the "Virgins of the Sun" theory further discredited Bingham's claim.

    The Truth About Machu Picchu

    • Machu Picchu is not Vilcabamba.
    • The city was strategically located for its water source, granite supply, and access to farmland in nearby towns.
    • The complex system of terraces and drainage channels served to stabilize the mountainside and prevent erosion.
    • The city's construction required substantial underground work, with extensive foundations and drainage systems.
    • Machu Picchu was likely used for both religious and military purposes.

    The Construction of Machu Picchu

    • The city was built by the Inca under the reign of Pachacuti, the first Inca emperor.
    • The construction process was meticulous, involving the use of granite and skilled stone cutters.
    • The Inca utilized a system of levers and wedges to raise and position the heavy stones.
    • Machu Picchu is a testament to the Inca's engineering expertise and artistic ability.

    The Inca and Their Legacy

    • The Inca were skilled engineers, builders, and warriors who successfully conquered large regions.
    • The empire's legacy is evident in the impressive remains of their cities and infrastructure.
    • The Inca built Machu Picchu as a symbol of their power and mastery.
    • The city's discovery and ongoing research contribute to our understanding of the Inca civilization.

    Machu Picchu's Location

    • Machu Picchu was built in a remote and challenging location, high in the Andes Mountains.
    • The Inca believed in the sacredness of the landscape and worshipped the sun, mountains, and rivers as deities.
    • The location of Machu Picchu, surrounded by sacred mountains and the Urubamba River, likely reflected this reverence for the natural environment.

    Machu Picchu's Purpose

    • Machu Picchu was a royal estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti.
    • The site served as a peaceful retreat for the emperor and his court, where they could worship, relax, and enjoy themselves.
    • Evidence suggests that Machu Picchu also played a role in warfare, serving as a symbol of Inca power and dominance.
    • The site's strategic location, visible to those in the surrounding valley, conveyed a message of conquest and possession.
    • Skeletons found at Machu Picchu indicate a diverse population, including royal servants, laborers, and possibly military personnel.

    Machu Picchu's Abandonment

    • The site was likely abandoned after the death of Pachacuti, due to factors such as the decline of his dynasty and the spread of smallpox.
    • The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire led to further instability and disintegration of the Inca political structure.
    • The Spanish may have never learned about or found Machu Picchu, which helped preserve it from destruction.
    • The lack of Spanish accounts or descriptions about the site also contributes to its intact state.

    The Role of Inca Mummies

    • Inca rulers, including Pachacuti, were mummified after death.
    • Mummies were believed to continue to hold political and spiritual power and were involved in important rituals and ceremonies.
    • The care and handling of mummies was entrusted to a group of family members known as the Panaka, who also controlled the royal estates.
    • The descendants of Pachacuti likely lost focus on maintaining Machu Picchu after the death of their ancestor, resulting in its gradual abandonment.

    Machu Picchu

    • A 15th century Inca city located in the Peruvian Andes
    • Built on a narrow ridge at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet
    • Features over 200 structures, including homes, temples, fountains, and pools
    • Construction involved intricately cut stones without the use of mortar
    • It's purpose remains a mystery.

    The Inca

    • Flourished from the mid-1400s to the early 1600s
    • Developed an impressive road network spanning over 10,000 miles
    • Renowned for engineering and construction skills
    • Conquered by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s
    • Utilized quipu, a system of knotted strings for record-keeping, lacking written language.

    Discovery and Narrative

    • Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu on July 24, 1911
    • Initially believed it to be Vilcabamba, the lost city of the Inca
    • Bingham's discovery was widely documented, popularizing his narrative about the "Virgins of the Sun."

    Challenging the Narrative

    • John Verano's study of skeletal remains refuted Bingham's theory of the "Virgins of the Sun."
    • Found an almost equal distribution of male and female skeletons, discrediting the convent notion.
    • The absence of Spanish desecration and lack of evidence further discredited Bingham's claim.

    The Truth About Machu Picchu

    • Located strategically for its water source, granite supply, and access to farmland
    • Its complex system of terraces and drainage channels helped stabilize the mountainside and prevent erosion
    • Construction involved extensive underground work, foundations, and drainage systems
    • Was likely used for both religious and military purposes.

    The Construction

    • Built by the Inca under Pachacuti, the first Inca emperor
    • Construction utilized granite and skilled stone cutters
    • Inca used levers and wedges to raise and position heavy stones
    • A testament to the Inca's engineering expertise and artistry.

    Inca Legacy

    • Skilled engineers, builders, and warriors who conquered large regions
    • Empire's legacy is evident in their cities' remains and infrastructure
    • Machu Picchu was built as a symbol of their power and mastery
    • The city's ongoing research contributes to our understanding of the Inca civilization.

    Location

    • Built in a remote and challenging location high in the Andes Mountains
    • Inca revered the landscape, worshipping the sun, mountains, and rivers as deities
    • Location surrounded by sacred mountains and the Urubamba River likely reflected their reverence for nature.

    Purpose

    • A royal estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti
    • Served as a peaceful retreat for the emperor and his court
    • Evidence suggests a role in warfare, symbolizing Inca power and dominance
    • Its strategic location conveyed a message of conquest and possession
    • Skeletons indicate a diverse population including royal servants, laborers, and possibly military personnel.

    Abandonment

    • May have been abandoned after Pachacuti's death, due to factors like the decline of his dynasty and the spread of smallpox
    • The Spanish conquest further destabilized the Inca political structure
    • The Spanish may never have found it, helping preserve it from destruction
    • The lack of Spanish accounts about the site contributes to its intact state.

    Role of Inca Mummies

    • Inca rulers, including Pachacuti, were mummified after death
    • Mummies were believed to hold political and spiritual power
    • The care of mummies was entrusted to the Panaka, family members who controlled royal estates
    • The descendants of Pachacuti likely lost focus on maintaining Machu Picchu after their ancestor's death, resulting in its abandonment.

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    Description

    Explore the mysteries of Machu Picchu, a 15th century Inca city nestled in the Andes. Learn about the architectural wonders and the historical significance of the Inca Empire, which thrived from the mid-1400s to the early 1600s. This quiz delves into the achievements and the enigmatic aspects of this remarkable civilization.

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