Machu Picchu is one of the new seven wonders of the world. It is built at around 2430 mts above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba valley in PERU SOUTH AMERICA. It is the finest example of Inca Empire as it was built during the height of the Inca empire and truly showcases and depicts the culture , wealth and tradition of the empire. Its buildingshave a classical Inca style with three most important buildings which are the INTIHUATANA , THE TEMPLE OF THE SUN AND ROOM OF THREE WINDOWS . Other then these buildings there are places, baths , temples and houses.
Archaeologists have different theory for MACHU PICCHU. Some say it was settlement built to control economy of conquered regions; some say that it was only for royal family but there is belief that it was complete modern city of INCAS at that time. One of the MACHU PICCHU'S primary function was that of astronomical observatory.
Although it is some about 70-80 kms away from CUSCO (THE INCA CAPITAL) it was never found by Spanish . Spanish destroyed and plundered many INCA sites but MACHU PICCHU was saved due to its unique location and with time dense jungles grew in surrounding which completely isolated the place for centuries.
It was in 1911 when Hiram Bingham , a lecturer at YALE UNIVERSITY discovererd MACHU PICCHU with the help of some locals.
MACHU PICCHU was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and it was described as " an absolute masterpiece of architecture and a unique testimony of INCA civilization. But unfortunately this awesome place is facing a lot of problems due to growing number of tourist . increasing number of tourist are causing tremendous physical burden on the ruins.This is the LOST CITY OF INCAS which was not destructed by spanish invaders and which is one of the most beautiful ancient site/city of the world.
1 comment:
nice article.
well as for a fact, the directorate of peru proclaims that machu picchu was originally built as a refuge against the spanish in the 16th century.
also a few locals did know of its existence until an american explorer, Hiram bingham happen to discover it accidentally on july 24, 1911.
it also happens to have the last surviving sundial in South America..
trekking permits are required prior to the expeditions beginning, and are limited :P
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