Archeological

The dramatic location of Machu Picchu makes this one of the World’s most evocative archaeological sites. The image of dry-stone buildings, walls and terraces nestled high amongst peaks of the Andes, swirling with mists and clouds is well known. So well known in fact that many people travel to Peru to specifically experience for themselves this extraordinary site and its setting. Not surprisingly, it is a site that is high up on my bucket list of archaeological sites.

Machu Picchu is as enigmatic as it is evocative. Construction began in the fifteenth century, but it seems that the settlement was abandoned just over a hundred years later. As the Incas had no form of written record, the purpose and function of the site are debated. There are a number of possible explanations for the complex of dry-stone palaces, homes, plazas, and temples, including a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for the ruling elite. Over seven hundred terraces were created to reclaim the steep mountain slopes for agricultural purposes.