The Mystery of Machu Picchu: The Legendary City Hidden Among the High Mountains of the Inca Empire

Machu Picchu, the Inca Empire’s legendary city, is perched high in the Andes at 2,430 meters. Built near the Sacred Valley, its precise stonework, without the use of wheels, showcases the Inca's advanced techniques. The Incas transported the stones using human power and inclined planes, with some theories suggesting water was used to slide them. Its strategic location made it both a defensive stronghold and a symbol of harmony with nature.

The Sacred Valley, considered holy by the Incas, was filled with agricultural lands, mines, and religious centers. Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century, gradually disappeared into nature, forgotten for centuries. Some believe it served as a refuge for Inca nobles fleeing the Spanish invasion, reinforced by its remote location.

Machu Picchu reflects the Incas' advanced astronomical knowledge. Structures align with the sun, moon, and stars, such as the Intihuatana stone, which tracks the sun’s movement and aligns during the equinoxes. The city was designed to harmonize with celestial cycles, with some buildings aligned to capture sunlight at specific angles during solstices.

Often called the "Lost City," Machu Picchu was never truly lost, as the local Quechua people were aware of it for centuries. One of the most impressive aspects of Inca architecture is the stonework. Stones in Machu Picchu fit so precisely without mortar that even a knife cannot fit between them, making the city earthquake-resistant.

The terraces of Machu Picchu were used for agriculture and rainwater control, preventing soil erosion in the region’s heavy rainfall. Beneath these terraces, a drainage system regulates water flow.

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