The Inca Indians inhabited the country of Peru for many years, and established many great architectural monuments such as the Machu Picchu. Imagine discovering this great and mysterious city, Machu Picchu, one of the greatest architectural wonders. What would one conclude about this wonder?
One crucial factor in determining a theory for the purpose for this great architectural site, is to ask how is this different from other historical and monumental sites? In order to depict the purpose and reason behind this city, one must establish a theory concerning the purpose of the city, then compare and contrasts it to a site with other historical value, such as the Pyramids of Egypt.
Theories behind the purpose vary, but the explanations and theories can vary from whether the city was built to be closer to the gods, was it a retirement city for the elderly, was it a religious sanctuary for the Inca Monarchs, was it a operating command post, or was it a trade post? These questions are important, yet they are still unanswered, and that is what makes this city more mysterious than other historical sites. For more current scientific research and observations of Machu Picchu, see the following link: http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/archaeology/machu-picchu-mystery/
In conclusion, there are many unanswered questions and mysteries concerning Machu Picchu, yet it was so unimportant to the Spaniards. Therefore, presently why are so many people infatuated with this city? Scientist and people are still yearning to discover the past, purpose and meaning of this city, after hundreds of years. What hidden gold did the Spaniards not see that travelers, explorers, and scientists see? I believe the city was a command post due to the above ground advantage and the access to water and food.
I thought this article was great, I like how you stated that one way to figure what the city was built for was to compare it to another location (the pyramids) that we didn’t understand because it was so different from our architecture and we only knew what it was by deciphering codes. I don’t know much about the history of Inca’s and a lot about their civilization is still a mystery to historians. The only thing I think you could have done better would be to pick a topic that not a lot of people know about and talk about that. Like I said before, I don’t know much about the Incans but the first thing I associate with them is Machu Picchu. I just think it would have been more interesting if you wrote about something about like the lost Inca gold but that’s just my opinion. I still think your article is awesome though, it’s informing and well written. I think so many people are infatuated with this city because we don’t know enough about it.
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