Machu Picchu

                                                              Machu Picchu 

Machu Picchu is an ancient city high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built by the Inca people over 500 years ago. Sitting about 8,000 feet above sea level, it is sometimes called the “Lost City of the Incas” because it was hidden from the world for centuries. Today, Machu Picchu is a symbol of Inca intelligence, creativity, and connection with nature.

Machu Picchu was built in the 1400s by the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The city includes over 150 buildings, like homes, temples, and fountains. It was made using a method called ashlar, where workers cut stones so perfectly that they fit together without any mortar. These stone walls are so well built that many still stand today—even after earthquakes and rainstorms!

The city was built on a steep mountain, which made construction difficult. But the Incas were amazing engineers. They carved steps into the hills, created flat terraces for farming, and built canals to bring fresh water from a spring. These systems worked with gravity and nature to keep the city strong and safe.

Scientifically, Machu Picchu is full of smart ideas. The Incas designed the buildings and walkways to match the sun and stars. On the longest day of the year, the sun shines perfectly through the windows of the Sun Temple. This shows how closely the Inca studied astronomy and used it in their designs.

Artistically, the stonework is beautiful. The walls are smooth and neat, and the whole city blends with the shape of the mountain. Some of the buildings are shaped like animals important to Inca culture, such as the condor and the llama. Every part of the city was made with care and respect for nature.

Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until 1911, when it was found by explorer Hiram Bingham. Now, people from all over the world come to see this peaceful and powerful place.

Sources:

• National Geographic Kids. “Machu Picchu.” https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
  
  

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/274
  
  

• Smithsonian Magazine. “Secrets of Machu Picchu.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com