The Empire of the Incas was established in Cusco, by the year 1,200 AD. Its origin is given in relation to two famous legends; one is the legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, and the other is the legend of the Ayar Brothers. In both cases, the legends point to Manco Cápac as the founder and first governor of the empire. But it was until the time of the Pachacutec, that the empire achieved its greatest expansion and power, reaching to cover almost 2 million km2 and it was precisely during this time, that the Inca City of Machu Picchu would be built.
The arrival of the Spanish conquerors would cause the fall of the empire, at which time the Inca city would have been abandoned when it was still to be finished, and although some people say that the Spaniards knew of the existence of Machu Picchu, they could never have found it. The truth would be that the location would only be known by local inhabitants, until the time of its discovery, the year of 1911, when Hiram Bingham with the help of Yale University, the National Geographic Society, and the Peruvian government, gave it to know the whole world. Bingham began excavation work in the area, from 1912 to 1915, when the thick vegetation that covered much of the discovery was removed, and numerous niches of the city's inhabitants were discovered.
Discovery
American explorer and historian Hiram, with the aid of local guides, came across the Lost City in 1911. Though the name appeared on maps as early as 1860, previous attempts to find the site failed. Bingham erred in recognizing what he had uncovered. The historian assumed he had stumbled upon Vilcabamba, the last real stronghold of the Inca. (The actual ruins of Vilcabamba lie deep in the rainforest, and were uncovered in the 1960s)Bingham, who later served as governor of and senator from Connecticut, transported - some say stole - many of Machu Picchu´s artifacts to Yale in 1912. They are still on display at the Peabody Museum.
The museum is in no hurry to give them back, but negotiations, often contentious, are under way to return some of the treasures to Peru.
In 1915, Hiram announced his discovery of the Inca Trail. As with Machu Picchu, his "discovery" was a little disingenuous. Locals knew about the trail, and that it had served as a supply route between Cusco and Machu Picchu during the colonial and early republican eras as well. Though archaeological adventuring is viewed differently now, Bingham´s slog to find Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail was no easy feat. Look up from Aguas Calientes, and you still won´t know it´s there.
In 1915, Hiram announced his discovery of the Inca Trail. As with Machu Picchu, his "discovery" was a little disingenuous. Locals knew about the trail, and that it had served as a supply route between Cusco and Machu Picchu during the colonial and early republican eras as well. Though archaeological adventuring is viewed differently now, Bingham´s slog to find Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail was no easy feat. Look up from Aguas Calientes, and you still won´t know it´s there.
RELATED STORY: WHERE IS MACHU PICCHU
Historians have discredited the Machu Picchu history that considers it as a refuge of the chosen Inca women after the Spanish conquest; analysis shows a 50750 split of male and female remains.
The site´s belated discovery may indicate that the Inca deserted Machu Picchu before the Spanish conquest. The reason for the city´s presumed abandonment is as mysterious as its original function. Some archaeologists suggest that the water supply simply ran out. Some guess that disease ravaged the city. Others surmise it was the death of Pachacutec, after which his estate was no longer needed.
Machu Picchu History
Ever since Bingham came across the citadel, Machu Picchu history has been debated. It was likely a small city of some 200 homes and 1,000 residents, with agricultural terraces to supply the population´s needs and a strategic position that overlooked - but could not be seen from - the valley floor. New theories suggest that the city was a transit station for products, such as coca and hearts of palm that were grown in the lowlands and sent to Cusco. Exactly when Machu Picchu was built is not known, but one theory suggests that it was a country estate of an Inca ruler named Pachacuti, which means its golden age was in the mid - 15th century.Historians have discredited the Machu Picchu history that considers it as a refuge of the chosen Inca women after the Spanish conquest; analysis shows a 50750 split of male and female remains.
The site´s belated discovery may indicate that the Inca deserted Machu Picchu before the Spanish conquest. The reason for the city´s presumed abandonment is as mysterious as its original function. Some archaeologists suggest that the water supply simply ran out. Some guess that disease ravaged the city. Others surmise it was the death of Pachacutec, after which his estate was no longer needed.
RELATED STORY: WHO BUILT MACHU PICCHU
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