Machu Picchu is an ancient city high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Built by the Incas, it's famous for its large stone structures and mysterious past. With over 3,000 steps, it connects many levels across 5 miles. People love its beauty and the many unanswered questions it holds. But beyond its breathtaking beauty lies a web of mysteries and conspiracy theories that continue to intrigue us.
The Discovery of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu’s existence was not widely known until it was “discovered” in 1911 by the Yale University professor Hiram Bingham. It is located on the Eastern Cordillera in the south of Peru, on a 2,430-metre (7,970 ft) mountain ridge in the Cusco Region, above the Sacred Valley of the Inca, which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Cuzco. Bingham was led to the site by Melchor Arteaga, a local Quechua-speaking resident. Bingham had been seeking Vilcabamba (Vilcapampa), the “lost city of the Incas,” from which the last Inca rulers led a rebellion against Spanish rule until 1572.
The Inca Connection
Most recent archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472), but evidence suggests it’s highly possible that the Inca found pre-existing buildings at the site, and they made renovations and new structures. Pachacuti, a visionary ruler, transformed the Inca Empire and left an indelible mark on its history. As a matter of fact, distinct styles can be clearly recognized when looking at the features and craftsmanship of the buildings. In fact, the megalithic enigma of Macchu Picchu begins from the clear different styles of construction between the older and the newer layers of its structures.
The Architecture of Machu Picchu
■ The Temple of the Three Windows: This temple stands as one of the best evidence of the two different styles that can be seen at Macchu Picchu. It’s like encountering a puzzle crafted by two distinct artisans.
The Inca people sought to replicate an ancient temple, yet their efforts were marked by limitations. Using smaller stones and imperfect joins, they fashioned a unique homage to the original.
This fusion of styles is evident in the "three windows" sections of the temple, where contrasting designs coexist side by side.
Archaeologists posit that despite these stylistic differences, all structures were crafted by the same group around 1450 AD. The reason behind these disparities remains a mystery.
Yet, as one delves deeper, the distinctions become clear: some areas boast large, precisely cut stones without mortar, while others exhibit older, less refined craftsmanship. This same mix of styles can be found in other places nearby, like Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuaman. It's like a big puzzle waiting to be solved, with each piece telling its own interesting story.
■ The Temple Of The Sun: The Temple of the Sun sits on top of a large rocky mountain, as part of the Macchu Picchu’s archaeological site. It stands proudly as a semi-circular structure crafted from sturdy granite stones. With a spacious door and two windows—one opening to the north and the other to the east—it exudes an aura of ancient grandeur.
The architecture consists of meticulously carved stones, polished, smooth, and then fit tightly together with maximum precision.
Yet, beyond its remarkable exterior, the temple holds a deeper significance. Within its walls lies a large rock that once served as an astronomical observatory. Priests would look out of the windows to see the sun during summer and winter solstices. These windows were placed just right, one facing north and the other east, so they could also track stars and seasons. It's a place where ancient wonders meet the mysteries of the sky, captivating both past and present minds alike.
■ The Enigmatic Intihuatana Stone: At the summit of Machu Picchu lies the enigmatic Intihuatana, a marvel carved directly into the mountain’s bedrock. Its intricate surfaces and angles pose a mystery, as its true purpose remains elusive.
Archeological explanations which are not currently mainstream suggest that the Intihuatana wasn't crafted by the Inca but was instead discovered by them, alongside other enigmatic structures. This raises tantalizing questions about an earlier, advanced civilization possibly responsible for its creation.
While mainstream archaeology struggles to pinpoint this earlier culture, the Intihuatana's potential function adds another layer to its allure. Perhaps serving as a sundial, it aligns precisely with the sun's position during the winter solstice, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of celestial movements. The Inca attributed mystical significance to the stone, believing it held the sun in place along its annual journey through the sky.
During the equinoxes, the stone's alignment with the sun leaves no shadow at midday, showcasing its precise calibration. On June 21, the longest shadow falls to the south, while on December 21, it shifts to the north, marking the changing seasons with remarkable accuracy. Such celestial alignment hints at a deep connection between the Intihuatana and the cosmic rhythms observed by ancient civilizations.
Mystery of the Elongated Skulls
More than 100 skeletons were unearthed at Machu Picchu in the early 20th century, some of which had notably elongated skulls. The common explanation for these oddly shaped skulls is that they were formed using a binding technique known as artificial cranial deformation (ACD). This practice involved binding the heads of infants with cloth or boards to elongate the shape of the skull over time.
Since most of these elongated skulls were discovered in cemeteries reserved for nobles, it is believed that Inca royalty practiced ACD to distinguish themselves and demonstrate their dominance or higher status within society.
Mysteries: Despite common explanations, there are still many unanswered questions. Some theories suggest genetic factors might have played a role, especially since elongated skulls have been found in regions where this practice was not previously known. Additionally, DNA testing has revealed some surprising results, including mitochondrial DNA with mutations not known in any human, primate, or animal known so far, suggesting a more complex history behind these skulls.
Machu Picchu stands not only as a marvel of architectural prowess but also as a testament to the enduring curiosity of humankind. From the enigmatic Intihuatana stone to the haunting allure of the elongated skulls, each facet of this ancient citadel beckons us to delve deeper into its secrets. In the shadow of the Andes, amidst the whispers of the wind, Machu Picchu remains a beacon of intrigue, inviting us to ponder the enigmas of the past and marvel at the wonders of the present.
