Explain why the Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains.

In short (click here for detailed version)

The Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains for reasons of security and protection against invasions, as well as to benefit from a strategic defensive position.

Explain why the Incas built Machu Picchu so high in the mountains.
In detail, for those interested!

Importance of strategic location

The strategic location of Machu Picchu was crucial for the Incas for several reasons. Firstly, its high position offered an important defensive advantage. Located at nearly 2,430 meters above sea level, the site was well protected from potential attacks. The difficult access and steep slopes of the surrounding mountains made it a challenging place to reach for potential enemies.

Furthermore, Machu Picchu's elevated position provided a visual control over the valley below. This allowed the site's inhabitants to monitor the surroundings and prepare for any possible threat. Additionally, the mountain on which Machu Picchu is built provides access to water through natural springs, which was essential for the daily life of the city's inhabitants.

Lastly, Machu Picchu's strategic location was also linked to religious and astronomical considerations. The Incas were a very spiritual people, and the layout of the city was in harmony with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. The buildings and temples were constructed according to the orientation of the celestial bodies, highlighting the importance of Machu Picchu's location in the Incan worldview.

Adaptation to the natural environment

The Incas built Machu Picchu taking into account adaptation to the natural environment. Located at an altitude of 2,430 meters, the site offers significant advantages. Thanks to its height, Machu Picchu was better protected against floods and frequent landslides in the region. In addition, the elevated position ensured better ventilation of the buildings, helping to regulate the temperature and minimize risks related to humidity. The Incas were able to exploit the natural characteristics of the site to design a city that integrates perfectly with its mountainous environment.

Defense and security

Machu Picchu was built on a steep site, with steep cliffs and steep slopes, offering a natural defensive advantage against enemy intrusions. Its elevated position provided extensive visibility over the surroundings, allowing the inhabitants to spot any hostile approach from afar. The agricultural terraces in terraces also served as retaining walls, strengthening the defense of the site.

The access gates to the citadel were narrow, limiting the number of people who could enter simultaneously, making any invasion attempt more difficult. In addition, the Incas had built an ingenious system of water channels and irrigation canals that could be diverted to flood the access routes and make the assault even more difficult.

The rugged topography of the area, with its deep ravines and dizzying cliffs, was an additional natural obstacle to any attack. The Incas had taken advantage of these geographical features to strengthen the security of Machu Picchu and make it an almost impregnable stronghold.

Finally, the elevated position of the citadel made it difficult to access and approach, making it a safe refuge in case of external threats. The Incas fully exploited these natural advantages to ensure the security and protection of Machu Picchu, making it one of the best-preserved architectural wonders of the Inca Empire.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

Why did the Incas choose to build Machu Picchu at high altitude?

The Incas built Machu Picchu at a high altitude for reasons of security and defense.

2

How did the Incas manage to transport construction materials to Machu Picchu?

The Incas used a complex system of roads and ramps to transport construction materials to Machu Picchu, without the use of wheels.

3

What was the role of Machu Picchu in the Inca empire?

Machu Picchu was likely a religious, political, and administrative center of the Inca Empire.

4

What were the main construction techniques used by the Incas at Machu Picchu?

The Incas primarily used dry stone construction techniques, without mortar, to build the structures of Machu Picchu.

5

What are the unique architectural features of Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu features perfectly fitted stone constructions, agricultural terraces in terraces, and a sophisticated system of water channels.

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