Machu Picchu is a well-preserved Inca ancient city in the Urubamba Valley of Peru, high in the Andes Mountains, covering an area of about 200 hectares. The city was built in the 1450s by the Inca ruler Pachacuti.
Machu Picchu is one of the finest examples of the Inca architectural and engineering skills. The city consists of houses, temples, palaces and other structures made of stone.
Among the most important structures of Machu Picchu are the Intihuatana, Sayayhuaman and Inti Punku.
The Intihuatana is a stone structure used by the Incas to determine the solar calendar. It helped the Incas plan their religious ceremonies and agricultural activities according to the position of the sun.
Sayayhuaman is the main defense wall of Machu Picchu. This wall was built to protect the city from external attacks.
Inti Punku is the main entrance gate of Machu Picchu and the highest point of the city. This gate is the only way into the city.
The purpose of the construction and abandonment of Machu Picchu is still not fully known. It is thought that the city was used as a religious center, a royal palace or a military base.
Various theories have been proposed for the abandonment of Machu Picchu, such as the fall of the Inca Empire by the Spanish, a natural disaster or an epidemic.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important monuments of Inca culture. The city demonstrates the Inca skills in architecture, engineering and astronomy.
Machu Picchu is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. The city is visited by millions of tourists every year.
The construction of Machu Picchu was started in the 1450s by the Inca ruler Pachacuti. It took about 50 years to build the city. The construction of Machu Picchu utilized the advanced architectural and engineering skills of the Incas. The city is made of stone and built with excellent craftsmanship.
It is not known when and why Machu Picchu was abandoned. Various theories have been put forward as to why the city was abandoned.
One of the most common theories is that the city was abandoned after the fall of the Inca Empire by the Spanish. Another theory is that the city was abandoned due to a natural disaster or epidemic.
Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Bingham found the city during an expedition in the Urubamba Valley of Peru.
Bingham's discovery caused a great resonance around the world. Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the most important monuments of Inca culture.
Machu Picchu is one of the most important tourist attractions in Peru. The city is visited by millions of tourists every year.
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