What Happened On July 24th?
In 1911, American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham III undertook an expedition to Peru, motivated by the tantalizing tales of ancient Incan ruins. Sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society, Bingham sought to locate Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Inca after the Spanish conquest. His journey led him through the Urubamba Valley, following the meandering Urubamba River, guided by local farmers.
On July 24, 1911, the dense jungles of Peru revealed one of their most profound secrets. Bingham navigated through steep, slippery paths and thick vegetation. Undeterred by these challenges, he pressed on, driven by local legends of hidden ruins. With the guidance of a local farmer named Melchor Arteaga, Bingham reached the cloud-covered remnants of Machu Picchu. Stone structures and terraced fields emerged from the jungle along witha breathtaking vista which stretched to the horizon.
The Lost Citadel
Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” sat at an altitude of 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. The city’s strategic position and sophisticated construction exemplified the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. It comprised approximately 200 structures, including temples, palaces, and residential quarters, all meticulously crafted with precision-cut stone.
Unlike many other Incan sites, Machu Picchu remained largely untouched by looters and the Spanish. Its seclusion, nestled among steep cliffs and dense vegetation, protected it from the ravages of time and conquest. Local Quechua farmers had known of the site for centuries and used some of its terraces for agriculture, but it remained obscure to the outside world. Interestingly, the original name of the site is still unknown, as “Machu Picchu” (Old Peak) was coined by Bingham.
As Bingham traversed the Urubamba Valley to reach Machu Picchu, he likely followed paths that were part of the Inca Trail, a vast network of trails that spanned thousands of miles. Designed for efficient travel and communication, these trails underscored the Inca’s logistical expertise. Along these trails, Bingham discovered additional ruins and structures, further illuminating the extensive reach of the Inca civilization. Among these discoveries, Wiñay Wayna stood out for its impressive terraces and ritual baths.
After the initial discovery, Bingham’s team meticulously documented the site. They mapped the ruins, photographed the structures, and collected artifacts. Their efforts culminated in a comprehensive report published by the National Geographic Society in 1912, which introduced Machu Picchu to the global audience.
Machu Picchu’s purpose intrigued scholars. They theorized it served as a royal estate for Inca emperor Pachacuti, who reigned in the mid-15th century. Its construction corresponded with Pachacuti’s rule, suggesting it was a retreat and a symbol of Incan power and sophistication. However, the reasons for its abandonment remain debated among historians and archaeologists. The Incas constructed Machu Picchu without iron tools or the wheel, showcasing their advanced engineering prowess. The precision of their stonework, particularly the interlocking stones of the temples, is a marvel of ancient craftsmanship. Additionally, Machu Picchu’s design featured advanced hydraulic engineering, with an intricate network of fountains and drainage systems that still function today.
Stone By Stone
Machu Picchu’s design highlighted the Incas’ advanced engineering and agricultural skills. The city divided into two main areas: the agricultural sector, with extensive terraces and irrigation systems, and the urban sector, which included sacred and residential buildings. The terraces, constructed to prevent erosion and manage water distribution, exemplified Incan agricultural innovation. These terraces not only supported agriculture but also stabilized the mountain’s steep slopes, preventing landslides.
One of Machu Picchu’s most renowned features, the Intihuatana stone, served as a ritualistic artifact associated with astronomical observations. Positioned to align with the sun during the equinoxes, the Intihuatana reflected the Incas’ profound connection with celestial events and their agricultural calendar. The precise stonework of the Intihuatana and other structures demonstrated the Incas’ mastery of construction techniques, such as ashlar masonry, where stones were cut to fit together seamlessly without mortar. Moreover, the site’s architects designed buildings to withstand earthquakes, with trapezoidal doors and windows that absorbed seismic shocks.
Machu Picchu’s rediscovery ignited global fascination, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Millions of tourists visited each year, presenting challenges for preservation as the delicate structures and environment faced the risk of degradation.
Efforts to protect and preserve Machu Picchu persisted, balancing public access with the site’s longevity. Modern technologies, such as 3D mapping and digital reconstruction, aided these preservation efforts by providing detailed records that helped manage and mitigate tourism’s impact. In recent years, UNESCO implemented stringent visitor limits to protect the site from over-tourism and environmental damage.
Researchers developed innovative methods to monitor the structural integrity of the ruins, using drones and other remote sensing technologies. Additionally, Machu Picchu’s management involved local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable practices aligned with traditional knowledge.
The rediscovery of Machu Picchu sparked a cultural renaissance of indigenous Peruvian identity. The site symbolized national pride and the achievements of the Inca civilization. Annual celebrations, such as Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, took place near Cusco and at the site itself, honoring Incan heritage and traditions. Local communities actively engaged in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the Incas remained vibrant. Indigenous groups also sought greater involvement in the management of the site, advocating for sustainable tourism practices that respected their ancestral lands.
