Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire. Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, Machu Picchu stands as an archaeological wonder of the ancient world. But why was it built—and deserted?
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Read more about Machu Picchu here:
https://on.natgeo.com/2UyhR5k
Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic
https://youtu.be/cnMa-Sm9H4k
National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/natgeo
- [Narrator] The stone
city of Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating
archeological sites on the planet. Located northwest of
Cuso, Peru, Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca people. During its prime, the Inca
civilization stretched about 2500 miles along South
America's Pacific Coastline. From modern day Ecuador down into Chile. This distance is nearly
the horizontal width of the continental United States. Machu Picchu located at the
center of this once expans
ive empire is one of the few
well-preserved remnants of the Inca civilization. Built around the mid 15th century, Machu Picchu is a stunning example of the Inca's engineering feats. The Inca constructed Machu
Picchu's palaces, temples, terraces, and infrastructure using stone and without the help of wheels or tools made of steel or iron. One particularly notable
aspect of their construction is foregoing the use of
mortar, a material often used to bind stones together. Nonetheless, the stones of
Machu Picchu were cut so precisely that
they snugly fit together. Located on two fault lines Machu Picchu often experiences earthquakes but because of the stones'
exceptional cut and fit, they bounce during
tremors and then are able to easily fall back into position. These engineering marvels
have preserved Machu Picchu's remarkable condition for over 500 years. Machu Picchu's purpose is still a mystery to many archeologists. Some theorize that it may have
served as a ceremonial site, a military
stronghold, or
a retreat for nobility. The site's geographic
layout may be significant in another way. Many of both the manmade and
natural structures appear to align with astronomical events. But in the early 16th century, only about 100 years after it was built, Machu Picchu was abandoned. And since the Inca had
no written language, no records exist to explain
the exact purpose of the site. Although local communities
knew about Machu Picchu, the site remained largely
unknown to the outside wo
rld for hundreds of years. Spanish conquistadors who
invaded the Inca civilization in the 16th century never
came across the site. It wasn't until the early 20th
century when Melchor Arteaga, a local farmer debuted Machu
Picchu to outsiders when he led Yale University professor
Hiram Bingham to the site. Bingham and successive
explorers devoted much of their academic careers to studying
the archeological wonder. Despite its enigmatic nature,
Machu Picchu still stands as one of the world's most
i
mportant archeological sites. It is a testament to
the power and ingenuity of one of the largest
empires in the Americas. In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu as a world heritage
site and today visitors from around the world come to pay homage to this piece of history.
Comments
I really like the wording National Geographic uses at 2:34 – “It wasn’t until the early 20th century when Melchor Arteaga, a local farmer debuted Machu Picchu to outsiders when he led Yale University professor Hiram Bingham to the site”. Too often content creators credit foreigners for ‘discovering’ historic ruins when more often than not, locals have known about these places for generations.
I like the way the llama is like "make sure you get my good side!"
I'll be there next week! I'm so psyched to see and experience Machu Picchu! I heard about it in my 20s, so this trip has been a long time coming. Being there for a week will be awe-inspiring I'm sure!
I hiked the 4 day inca trail to Machu Picchu. What an incredible experience. Everyone should do it if afforded the opportunity.
Climbed this a month ago. It was the most physically demanding thing I have ever done. It was brutal, intense but very inspiring.
Machu Picchu is so beautiful! Flew from the Philippines just to see this gem <3
I saw Machu Picchu for the first time on the National Geographic Channel. They say that a settlement must be close to a source of water for life. This reminds me of the ancient settlement of the wawonii's kingdom which is very close to several springs. Our palace was also completely abandoned in 1745 after King Mbeoga died. People call the palace as "Watuntinapi" or Watuntumapi". Until now this place was heard from several people who searched the location, very few were able to find it. That's why I called it the secret palace of the wawonii kingdom. But I was so amazed by Machu Picchu. It was like a very amazing palace. so wonderful. I'm sorry if my english grammar not perfect😅
I am in Peru and just went to Machu Pichu , today I was in Chiclayo following the Moche . All awesome ! This showed up in my feed today 😊
Magnificent 🙏🏻 Love from India 🇮🇳
Several methods of fabrication of the polygonal masonry using clay/gypsum replicas, a topography translator, and reduced clay models of the stone blocks along with a 3D-pantograph are described in the article “Fabrication methods of the polygonal masonry of large tightly-fitted stone blocks with curved surface interfaces in megalithic structures of Peru”. YouTube does not allow a direct link. Search by the article title.
A ancient civilization built a temple that has survived earthquakes. Kudos to them.
This is an excellent video by National Geographic. Short but contains so much information.
One of the channels worthy of being subscribed to. Thank you NatGeo.
no written language left? and still could build such amazing structure! Just wow!
Perú 🇵🇪 beautiful
Knowledge video loved it 💗
Wow, that’s really fascinating, all this time and is still standing.
Awesome place to visit! 😍😍
I would be very interested to know what the native ppl have to say about the history of this amazingly built place. The legend doesn’t die I wouldn’t think
Natgeo is the best channel, the problem is the music at the end of every video, it has so large sound, which annoys everyone, Plz make that sound low....