The Inca’s Mountain Fortress: Machu Picchu’s Untold Story

High in the mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu stands as a majestic reminder of the mighty Inca Empire. This ancient city, with its breathtaking views and mysterious ruins, has captured the imagination of people worldwide. 

In 2022 alone, more than 979 thousand people journeyed to this iconic site, eager to explore its secrets and experience its magic.¹ But what stories does Machu Picchu hold?

Here’s the untold story of Machu Picchu and its modern struggles. 

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, on a 7,970 foot mountain ridge. Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, it is the most familiar icon of the Inca Empire.

Key points:

• Location: Machupicchu District within Urubamba Province above the Sacred Valley, which is 50 miles northwest of Cusco.
• History: Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, likely due to the Spanish Conquest. It was not widely known to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
• Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls, intriguing buildings that play on astronomical alignments, and panoramic views.
• Purpose: The exact former use of Machu Picchu remains a mystery, but it’s believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders.

When Was Machu Picchu Built?

The exact date of Machu Picchu’s construction is still debated by historians and archaeologists, but there is growing evidence that it was built and occupied over a longer period than previously believed.

It was previously thought that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472) around 1450, but was abandoned a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest.

A 2021 study using radiocarbon dating (AMS) suggests that Machu Picchu may have been occupied from around 1420 to 1532 AD.^(ref) This means that construction likely began under Pachacuti and continued during the reign of Túpac Inca Yupanqui (1472–1493).

Why Was Machu Picchu Abandoned?

The exact reason why Machu Picchu was abandoned remains a mystery, but several theories and factors likely contributed to its decline:

• Spanish Conquest: Many believe Machu Picchu was abandoned after the Spanish took over the Inca Empire in the 1500s. The Spanish were more interested in bigger cities, leaving Machu Picchu alone. But, changes caused by the Spanish like new diseases and the breakdown of Inca society likely led people to leave Machu Picchu and other places.
• Disease Outbreaks: The Spanish brought a disease called smallpox to the Inca people. It made many people sick and killed numbers of them. This sickness could also have infected the people living in Machu Picchu, making them leave or die.
• Internal Strife: Even before the Spanish came, the Inca people were fighting amongst themselves. This trouble might have made it harder to keep Machu Picchu going, as people focused on other problems.
• Environmental Factors: The weather in the high mountains where Machu Picchu is located can be very harsh. Droughts, landslides, and other natural problems could have made it hard for people to keep living there.
• Shift in Priorities: Machu Picchu might have been used for different things over time. If it was mostly for royalty or religion, changes in who was in charge and how people lived could have made it less useful, so people slowly stopped using it.

It’s important to note that no single factor likely caused Machu Picchu’s abandonment. It was probably a combination of these factors that led to the site’s decline and eventual desertion.

Ongoing Dispute between Yale & Peru

The ongoing dispute between Yale University and Peru revolves around the ownership of thousands of artifacts excavated from Machu Picchu and surrounding areas in the early 20th century by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham III.

Background

• Bingham’s Expeditions: Between 1911 and 1915, Bingham led three expeditions to Machu Picchu, excavating and removing over 40,000 artifacts, including ceramics, jewelry, human remains, and other objects of cultural and historical significance.
• Initial Agreements: Bingham obtained permission from the Peruvian government to take the artifacts for study and exhibition in the United States, with the understanding that they would be returned after a reasonable period.
• Yale’s Possession: The artifacts have remained at Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History for over a century, despite Peru’s repeated requests for their return.

Recent Developments

• 2007 Agreement: In 2007, Yale and Peru reached a tentative agreement for the return of some artifacts, but the deal fell apart due to disagreements over the terms.
• Ongoing Negotiations: The two parties continue to negotiate a resolution, with the involvement of international organizations and legal experts.
• Public Pressure: Public pressure and international attention have increased in recent years, with calls for Yale to return the artifacts to Peru.
• In 2010, after nearly 100 years, Machu Picchu artifacts started their journey home to Peru from Yale.^(ref)

Machu Picchu continues to intrigue and inspire, drawing visitors from around the globe. The stories that have been uncovered remind us of the rich history and enduring legacy of this extraordinary civilization.

Source:

1. Statista