Scholars believe that Spanish conquistadors never discovered or entered Machu Picchu because the city was hidden high in the Andes mountains and secluded from major trade routes. Additionally, there is no historical evidence or documentation suggesting that the Spanish had any knowledge or encounters with the site during their conquest of the Inca Empire.
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Scholars believe that Spanish conquistadors never discovered or entered Machu Picchu due to several factors. Firstly, the city was located high in the Andes mountains, nestled amidst dense forests and rugged terrain, making it difficult to access. The strategic location and the natural barriers surrounding Machu Picchu contributed to its seclusion from major trade routes and settlements of the time.
Furthermore, during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu was largely unknown to the conquistadors. There is no historical evidence or documentation suggesting that they had any knowledge of or encounters with the site. The Spanish primarily focused their attention on capturing major Inca cities such as Cusco, which served as the capital of the Inca Empire and held immense political and religious significance.
In the absence of direct Spanish interference, Machu Picchu remained hidden and preserved for centuries until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer and archaeologist. Bingham stumbled upon the ruins while in search of another lost city. This serendipitous encounter introduced the world to the magnificent ancient Inca citadel.
To provide further insight, the renowned American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham once remarked about Machu Picchu:
“Machu Picchu was a sight never dreamed of by Western men until a young American historian set out with a local guide to investigate rumors of ruins in the area.”
Interesting facts about Machu Picchu:
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Machu Picchu was constructed by the Inca civilization around the mid-15th century and was likely used as an estate or retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
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The engineering and architectural prowess of the Inca people is evident in Machu Picchu’s precise stone construction without the use of mortar.
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The purpose of Machu Picchu remains a subject of debate among archaeologists, with theories ranging from it being a sacred religious site to a royal retreat or a center for astronomical observation.
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The site consists of over 150 buildings, including houses, temples, and agricultural terraces, spread across an expansive area of about 32,500 hectares.
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Machu Picchu was built using advanced techniques such as terracing and water management systems, which allowed for efficient agriculture in the mountainous region.
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The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of visitors annually and is considered one of the most iconic and significant archaeological sites in the world.
Table:
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Located in the Andes mountains of Peru |
| Rediscovery | Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 |
| Construction | Built by the Inca civilization around the mid-15th century |
| Purpose | The purpose of Machu Picchu still remains a subject of debate among archaeologists |
| Architectural Significance | Known for its precise stone construction without mortar and advanced engineering techniques |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 |
| Tourist attraction | Attracts thousands of visitors annually, known for its stunning views and historical significance |
Video related “Why do scholars believe Spanish conquistadors never discovered or entered Machu Picchu?”
Machu Picchu is a fascinating archeological site located in Peru. The site was built around the mid 15th century and appears to align with astronomical events. Despite being known by local communities, the site was not discovered by outsiders until the early 20th century.
Other viewpoints exist
It is thought that the Spanish conquistadores did not track down Machu Picchu because it had actually been abandoned by the Incas shortly before the arrival of Spanish soldiers to the Cusco area during their conquest of the Incas in the 1530’s.
Moreover, people are interested
Since it was a royal estate, the general public of the Incas may not have even known about it. Because of that, the Spaniards had likely never heard of it either, so they had no reason to look for it.