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Since its discovery in the early 20th century, Machu Picchu<\/strong> has taken off as a world destination, being named year after year as a best travel destination and one of South America\u2019s leading tourist attractions. However, while much has been speculated regarding the ancient citadel\u2019s founding, there is even more than what reaches the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n Join us as we uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/a>, taking you on a tour across time to try and find some answers to one of the world\u2019s greatest puzzles.<\/span><\/p>\n Great Enigmas and Mysteries of Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The exact purpose of Machu Picchu during the time of Incan reign is under much debate.<\/span><\/p>\n Because of its proximity to Cusco<\/strong>, some archeologists presume it was used as a getaway for city nobles. Others argue it has more practical roots, such as for crop testing, trading, or even possibly a prison.<\/span><\/p>\n Even so, archeologists have projected that Machu Picchu<\/strong> was only able to hold 750 people, and only 200 skeletons were found. This low population number \u2013 paired with religious buildings on site \u2013 leads researchers to believe today that its sole purpose was for spiritual and ceremonial traditions.<\/span><\/p>\n Along those lines, elongated skulls were found on the grounds of Machu Picchu in cemeteries for the noble. It was believed that Inca royalty elongated their skulls to prove their dominance, which is similar to Mayan culture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Nevertheless, the idea of the historian Donato Amado who stated that \u201cMachu Picchu was the place from which the Incas administered their empire\u201d also makes sense.<\/span><\/p>\n How and Who Built Machu Picchu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n There are many mysteries of Machu Picchu, including who to credit for the ancient citadel\u2019s construction more than 2,400 meters above sea level in the middle of the imposing Andes and the Amazon Basin<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n As of today, it is believed that the ninth ruler of the Inca, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, built Machu Picchu in the mid-15th century after defeating his enemies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Another great mystery of Machu Picchu<\/strong> is how it was built without the wheel. Although the Incas are believed to have known about the wheel\u2019s existence, they never used it. Many large granite rocks used in the citadel\u2019s construction had to be moved somehow up the steep Andean mountains<\/strong> to be set in place.<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, the stones fit together so tightly that not even the slightest crack can be seen between them, which is essential for the earthquake-prone zone.<\/span><\/p>\n To have done so, one theory suggests the implementation of wet wooden wedges. However, that does not explain how enormous structures made out of single stones or structures made from intricate patterns came about.<\/span><\/p>\n Keeping all of these factors in mind, the collaboration of a superior race or more advanced beings that predate the Incas could have occurred, especially since the older masonry at the bottom of structures and walls are heavier and more finely carved.<\/span><\/p>\n There are questions to this day that have no answer, and perhaps this is what intrigues thousands of people to visit the citadel to find answers.<\/span><\/p>\n The\u00a0discovery\u00a0of Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Claimed to fame as the Lost City of the Incas<\/strong><\/a>, a great mystery of\u00a0Machu Picchu\u00a0involves the fact that it\u00a0may have never been forgotten\u00a0at all.<\/span><\/p>\n Back in\u00a01911, the American archaeologist\u00a0Hiram Bingham\u00a0set off\u00a0with a small team of explorers to discover Vilcabamba<\/strong>, the last Inca settlement conquered by the Spanish.<\/span><\/p>\n Once reaching the Urubamba Valley,\u00a0a local farmer shared the location\u00a0of\u00a0Machu Picchu\u00a0\u2013 meaning \u201cold mountain\u201d in Quechua \u2013 with Bingham and his crew. Upon nearing the grounds, a small group of\u00a0peasants led them\u00a0to the entrance of\u00a0Machu Picchu<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, the Inca\u00a0citadel had been previously discovered\u00a0\u2013 in 1902 \u2013 by a landowner named Melchor Arteaga who lived on the banks of the Vilcanota River<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Also, there is more evidence that\u00a0Machu Picchu\u00a0was already known\u00a0among missionaries\u00a0and other explorers, who had the chance to visit the citadel in the 19th\u00a0and 20th\u00a0centuries before Bingham.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What is evident is that\u00a0Bingham\u2019s research efforts\u00a0officially showcased Machu Picchu as an archaeological site to the world.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Machu](\"https:\/\/incarail.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Machu-Picchu-nobles.jpg\")
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