Machu Picchu: City in the Clouds

Machu Picchu, a mysterious city in the Andes Mountains of Peru, was once home to the Inca Empire's ruler. The Inca Empire was the largest in pre-Columbian America, stretching along South America's western coast. Machu Picchu, built around 1450 AD, served as a religious retreat and features unique architecture with over 150 stone buildings constructed using the ashlar technique. The city includes temples, palaces, and a solar clock known as intihuatana. After the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu was abandoned and rediscovered in the 19th century. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and Peru's most famous historic site.

Describe the architectural techniques used by the Inca in building Machu Picchu.

What is the significance of Machu Picchu in the context of the Inca Empire?

What role did Machu Picchu serve for the Inca ruler?

What is the function of the intihuatana stone in Machu Picchu?

How did the rediscovery of Machu Picchu in the 19th century impact its historical significance?