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City of Machu PicchuCity of Machu Picchu © Hugh Sitton/Corbis

City of Machu Picchu

Central highlands, Peru. Inka. c. 1450–1540 C.E. Granite (architectural complex).

Curator Note

"The "Lost City" in the clouds. Likely a royal retreat for the first Inka emperor, Pachacuti. The Intihuatana stone ("Hitching Post of the Sun") was used to track the sun's passage during the winter solstice."

Form

  • Located on a saddle between two jagged peaks (Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu).
  • Terracing: Agricultural steppes reinforced with stone to prevent erosion and create land.
  • Water management: Sophisticated stone channels and fountains (16 fountains total).
  • Integration: Buildings are made of local granite and seem to grow out of the rock.
  • Inka Masonry: Smooth, seamless walls for elite buildings; rougher stone for common areas.

Function

  • Royal Estate: A winter retreat or country palace for Emperor Pachacuti.
  • Diplomatic center: A place to host feasts and negotiate with local leaders.
  • Astronomical observatory: Tracking the solstices and stars.
  • Religious pilgrimage site (near sacred peaks/apus).
  • Not a military fortress (despite its walls) nor a lost city (locals knew it).

Content

  • Intihuatana Stone ("Hitching Post of the Sun"): Carved boulder aligned with the solstices.
  • Temple of the Sun: Curved tower built on a rock with a cave underneath.
  • Observatory (Room of the 3 Windows): Views the sunrise.
  • Residential sector vs. farming sector.
  • Thatched roofs (originally) made of ichu grass.

Context

  • Built c. 1450-1540 C.E. (height of empire) and abandoned after the Spanish conquest.
  • Its remote location saved it from destruction by the Spanish (they never found it).
  • "Rediscovered" scientifically by Hiram Bingham (Yale) in 1911.
  • Illustrates Inka mastery over the harsh Andean environment.
  • Labor was provided by the Yanacona (retainers) and Mitimaes (colonists).