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How were the stones of Machu Picchu cut?

One of the most interesting and mysterious aspects of Machu Picchu is how the stones were cut and transported to the site. The stones at Machu Picchu are massive and perfectly fitted together, with no mortar used to hold them in place. They are so precisely cut that it is difficult to even fit a knife blade between them.

A brief history of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a historic sanctuary located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. The city of Machu Picchu, also known as the “city of the Incas,” was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century. It is located near the Sacred Valley of the Incas near the town of Aguas Calientes.

The history of Machu Picchu is shrouded in mystery, and much about the site remains unknown. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Pachacuti was the Inca emperor from 1438 to 1471. The site was used as a retreat and as a place for the emperor to connect with the gods.

Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, who was searching for the lost city of the Incas. Bingham was led to the site by a local farmer, who showed him the way to the ancient ruins. Bingham was amazed by what he saw, and he spent several years studying and documenting the site.

How were the stones of Machu Picchu cut?

In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has since become a popular global tourist destination. The site is visited by thousands of people each year. Machu Picchu is considered one of the most important cultural and historical sites in South America.

A mystery that has not been solved yet

Despite its popularity, much about the history of Machu Picchu remains a mystery. It is not fully understood why the Incas built the site or why they abandoned it. Although, many of the details of its history and purpose are still being studied and debated by historians and archaeologists. However, one thing is certain: Machu Picchu is a truly remarkable site that continues to fascinate people from all over the world.

There are several theories about how the stones were cut and transported to the site. One theory is that the stones were cut using bronze or copper tools. They were heated and then used to cut through the granite. Another theory is that the stones were cut using stone tools, such as obsidian or quartz, which were able to create precise cuts due to their natural sharpness.

Despite these theories, the exact method used to cut and transport the stones at Machu Picchu remains a mystery. It is believed that the Incas used a combination of both bronze and stone tools, as well as a system of ramps and pulleys, to move the stones to the site. However, the exact details of this process are still not fully understood.

How were the stones of Machu Picchu cut?

In addition to the cut stones, Machu Picchu is also home to the famous Intihuatana stone, also known as the “hitching post of the sun.” This stone is believed to have been used by the Incas to mark the winter solstice. The site is also home to the famous Sun Gate, or “Puerta del Sol,” which is believed to have been used as a lookout point and as a way to mark the solstices.

Conclusion:

Machu Picchu is a truly remarkable site and continues to fascinate people from all over the world. Its mysterious stones and ancient ruins make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and archaeology.

Overall, there are many mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire, and these mysteries continue to fascinate people from all over the world. The site is a true marvel of ancient engineering and technology, and it is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Inca people.

Join us on one of our locally guided tours to Machu Picchu to discover more:

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