MACHU PICCHU

The fortress of Machu Picchu was occupied during different periods. Judging from the crónicas (early written history), the building style and the ceramic articles found, the following Periods have been calculated:

Early: 1300 ad
Classical: 1400 ad
Imperial: 1533 ad
Transition: 1533-1572 ad

MACHU PICCHU FOUNDATION .-

Most modern archaeologists and historians coincide that Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Pachacutec, the greatest statesman in Tahuantinsuyo, who governed from 1438 to 1471. Archaeologists infer that the citadel's construction dates from the fifteenth century approximately, a date confirmed by carbon 14 (radioactive carbon) dating.

Machu Picchu's construction coincides with the start of the expansion of the small feudal kingdom of the Incas. According to archaeologists, the final battle defining the Incas' victory over the Chancas, a prestigious victory that gave much power to Inca Pachacutec, was fought in this area.

Pachacutec was the first Inca to expand beyond the valley of Cusco after his epic victory over the Chancas. He was the author of Tahuantinsuyo's expansion and is recognized as the "constructor" of Cusco. This was one of his greatest works.

Machu Picchu's origin is attributed, with a certain degree of authority to Pachacutec, a warlike leader, noted for both territorial conquests and the development of religion and spirituality. This is why present archaeological researchers tend to support the theory that it was a royal hacienda destined for the worship of the Inca's gods, as well as a mighty challenge to the monarch's construction skills.

Built as a refuge for the elite of Inca aristocracy, the fortress was located on the eastern slope of the Vilcanota Cordillera, some 80 km from Cusco, the capital of the empire. Its strategic geographic location was amazingly well chosen.

Surrounded by steep cliffs and secluded from the sight of strangers by the thick jungle around it, the citadel of Machu Picchu had the special virtue of possessing only one narrow entry point, which enabled a successful defense by a handful of warriors in the event of surprise attack.

In all aspects the trip was
 better than our expectations.
All the porters were friendly
 and nice and reliable.
Food was excellent and we
 liked the variety. Our guide
 was surely the best we had in
Peru so far. He had a lot of
interesting, knowledge about
everything in the inca trail.
He showed positive, energy
and attitude all the time.
We thank to whole team
very much INKA TREKS.
 INCA TRAIL TO
MACHU PICCHU, 2007/09/06
group (08 pax)
Radka.Joskova
rjoskova@biomed.cas.cz