A Little History of Machu Picchu, Peru

After the grandiose celebrations of the 100th anniversary of its discovery, Machu Picchu is still on the front stage this year. This magnificent citadel secluded on top of a mountain deep in the Peruvian Andes is arguably one of the most impressive archeological sites in the world. No wonder it has been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Very few however know about the mysterious history and purpose of this enigmatic fortress. Why was it built, when and how?

Most historians believe that the construction of Machu Picchu dates back to the reign of the Inca Emperor Pachacutec, between 1438 and 1450. Such little time for such a wonderful and grand site! This belief mainly hails from the dominant “late imperial” style of the site’s architecture.

But what was the purpose of building this fortress, in a place so remote and difficult to access? Was it a religious center, a fortress, or a refuge for acclas, the Sun virgins dedicated to the Emperor? All thesis have some ground, as the site is filled with ceremonial buildings, is surrounded by a defensive wall and moats, and many female bones were discovered buried here. Another theory is that Machu Picchu was a royal city built for the Emperor and its family, or a large agricultural center aimed at providing resources to the nearby capital, Cusco. This last thesis is also plausible as the city produced a lot more food than its actual population needed, which was estimated between 600 and 1,00 inhabitants.

According to some, Machu Picchu was built as a refuge for Incas fiercely hidden from the conquering push of the Spanish. The last Emperor, Manco Inca, is said to have fled to the fortress after his unsuccessful rebellion against the Spanish in 1436, before escaping to the Vilcabamba jungle with his people. However, this theory is rather unlikely as the Spanish had many allies within the ranks of the Incas and would have undoubtedly learned about this refuge.

The most likely theory is that Machu Picchu was forgotten by the Incas themselves before the arrival of the conquistadors. It was probably abandoned but there is no way to know why. Was it a civil war, an epidemy, or just left aside by the successors of Pachacutec? Despite exhaustive archeological searches on the site, the mystery remains even today. The Incas sadly did not leave any explanation for us.

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