Machu Picchu Essay

English Research Paper Have you ever wondered about the history of Machu Picchu? Machu Picchu is believed to be an Inca city built between 1450-1460 by Pachacuti Yupanqui. It was then discovered later in 1911 by american explorer Hiram Bingham. Now 107 years later, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist site in Peru. The mystery behind Machu Picchu can be summed up in two theories: the incas built it and the aliens built it. In the beginning, researchers began searching for the historical aspects of the city and began looking for artifacts. Experts are supporting their interpretation largely on studies of 16th century spanish legal documents and a more detailed analysis of artifacts found in the ruins (Lost City), In addition, the

The city was expanded by Pachacuti Yupanqui and his descendants Toca Yapanqui and Huayna Capac. Capac’s sudden death happened right before he named a new successor and this raged the nation until spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and his army arrived in 1532 (Machu Picchu). Dr. Burger states, “This mortuary pattern is not surprising, because if members of the Inca elite had dies while residing at the country palace, they would have been transported to their principal residence in Cuzco rather than being buried at Machu Picchu.” (Lost City). Although, it is still unknown how they got the tools to work the hard rocks into grand temples, fountains, and many other structures, it is still impressive that they mastered the art of smelting and alloying soft metals (Schriber). The buildings, ritual chambers and garden’s were all arranged with Inca culture in mind. The Incas believe that rulers descended from the sun and that everywhere they go is sacred (Lost City). Considering all the artifacts and the skeletal remains found in the ruins, it's no wonder archaeologists suspect the incas built Machu Picchu. The state Machu Picchu was left in when it was discovered and what was found all points to the Incas building