In the 15th century, the great Inca Emperor Pachacuti ordered the construction of a magnificent royal estate. Perched nearly 2,500 meters above sea level in the Andes, it was not a city, but a secluded retreat for the emperor and his family. The site, about 80 kilometers from the capital Cusco, was chosen for its spiritual power, situated among the sacred mountain peaks they called 'apus'. Radiocarbon dating suggests it was occupied as early as 1420. Comprising around 200 buildings, including palaces, temples, and homes, this was a place for royal ceremonies and feasts, far from the bustle of the empire. This masterpiece of Inca architecture would come to be known as Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the Inca royal estate built for Emperor Pachacuti in the 1400s: how it was built, why it was abandoned, and who really lived there.
Chapter 1
The Royal Estate in the Clouds
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Machu Picchu built?
Machu Picchu was not a traditional city but a royal estate built as early as 1420 for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. It served as a religious retreat and a place for the emperor and his lineage to host feasts, perform ceremonies, and get closer to the gods.
How has Machu Picchu survived earthquakes for centuries?
Inca engineers used a technique called ashlar masonry, cutting granite blocks so precisely they fit together without mortar. During an earthquake, these stones are designed to 'dance' or shift slightly and then settle back into place, preventing the walls from collapsing.
Is it true that the Spanish conquistadors never found Machu Picchu?
Yes, that is correct. The site was abandoned in the 16th century, likely due to a smallpox epidemic that devastated the Inca population years before the Spanish reached the region. It was reclaimed by the jungle and remained unknown to the outside world for centuries.
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