Who Built The Machu Picchu In Peru

Alright, gather 'round, folks. Let's talk about Machu Picchu, that ancient city in Peru that's as mysterious as your mom's secret recipe for apple pie. You know, the one she swears is just apples, sugar, and a pinch of love, but you're pretty sure there's a dash of voodoo in there too.

So, who built this Incan wonder?

Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into a history lesson that's as exciting as a high school prom (not very, but bear with me).

The Incas, that's who! Now, imagine the Incas as the original DIY enthusiasts. They were like the Home Depot of their time, but instead of building sheds and birdhouses, they constructed entire cities. And not just any cities, mind you. We're talking about architectural marvels that would make today's engineers go, "Well, how about that?"

But why, you ask?

Great question! The Incas built Machu Picchu around 1450 AD, and it's believed they did it for a few reasons. First off, they wanted a place to escape to if things got too heated with their neighbors. You know, like when your roommate's friends come over and the party gets a little too wild, and you just need to retreat to your room. Machu Picchu was their room.

Second, it's thought that Machu Picchu was a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Imagine it as the Incan equivalent of a summer home. Somewhere to kick back, relax, and enjoy the view. Because let's face it, the view from Machu Picchu is as stunning as your best friend's wedding day, when they finally let you have that dance with the groom's hot cousin.

Now, here's where things get a bit tricky. The Incas didn't have wheels, which makes building a city in the mountains sound about as feasible as trying to make a soufflé while juggling chainsaws. But, they were clever. They used a system of ramps and levers to move massive stones up the mountainside. It's like when you're trying to move your couch up the stairs, and you realize you should've taken it apart first. But hey, at least the Incas didn't have to worry about damaging the drywall.

Machu Picchu Architecture: Inca Architecture Explained

And then they vanished...

Yep, you heard it right. The Incas abandoned Machu Picchu just over 100 years after they built it. Some say a smallpox epidemic forced them to leave. Others think a Spanish conquest might've been involved. Either way, they left behind a city that's as empty as your fridge after a big grocery shop (you know, before you actually get around to cooking).

But here's the thing, folks. Even though the Incas left, Machu Picchu didn't stay abandoned forever. In 1911, an American historian named Hiram Bingham rediscovered the site. He was like the Indiana Jones of his time, only with fewer snakes and more academic papers. And the rest, as they say, is history.

So there you have it. The Incas built Machu Picchu, and it's as impressive as it is mysterious. It's like the Incan version of a surprise birthday party. You know it's happening, but you can't quite figure out how they pulled it off. And that, my friends, is what makes history so darn fascinating.