Today, in the age of highly developed technologies, science, and international relationships, the heritage of the ancient Incan civilization plays an important role in society. The ruins are mainly located in the Upper Urubamba River. One of its famous cities, Machu Picchu, is built into the landscape, not as a separate part of the mountains but as the inherent or “exquisite architectural story” (Kavoori 652). Many scholars, archeologists, and tourists consider its man-made and natural landmarks as the key theme for discussion in their projects. Cardona defines Machu Picchu as “one of the biggest enigmas of Incan culture” due to its geographical advantages (47). In this paper, attention will be paid to the geographical and environmental achievements of Machu Picchu in relation to its political systems, religion, economy, and society that determine the shape of early River Valley civilizations.
The citadel of Machu Picchu stands strong today and becomes a symbol of unbelievable technical skills developed by the Inca population. It is hidden in the rocky countryside over a five-mile distance with more than 3,000 stone steps at different levels (History.Com Editors). Modern tourists are eager to take their long and challenging ways to this place in order to enjoy the sunset and the view.
The religious and political background is frequently used to prove the popularity of Machu Picchu. For example, it is believed that this place was a royal estate for the first emperors and noble people to perform their feasts and lead the empire with no unnecessary interruption and influence (Hall 2; History.Com Editors). The location was predetermined by the Andean landscape, the possibility to see the peaks of other mountains, and “owning” snow that feeds the rivers around (qtd. in Cardona 52; Kavoori 652). The Incan king Pachacuty was the first inhabitant of the land, and white granite rocks were used as the representation of his power and authority (qtd. Cardona 49). Regarding the possibility to control the access to natural resources and create strong images for the population, Machu Picchu’s economic and political systems are related to its current environmental superiority.
Another strong position about the creation of Machu Picchu is based on spiritual and social purposes. The population used “finely finished carved stone blocks and niches” and chose “the placement of sacred stones near the fountains” may serve as evidence of this place being used as ceremonial sites to elaborate civic and religious rituals (Kavoori 656). As regards its rugged location, not all people got a chance to enter the land, perform their ceremonies, and ask their gods for help. The walls consisted of separate blocks that fit closely with one another and held together not to allow external threats to reach the inhabitants. Religion was closely attached to the functioning of the Incan society and all stages of life and the afterlife (Cardona 51). The chosen constructions helped prevent natural disasters like earthquakes and droughts. The Incas believed that it was their spiritual achievement and the intention to please their gods and follow the established social orders.
In conclusion, the geographical peculiarities of Machu Picchu made it a remarkable site for modern tourists and researchers. The chosen location, resources, and building material allowed saving the place and demonstrating the beauty of the environment. However, one should understand that attention and respect for religion, politics, economy, and social norms played a crucial role in promoting the status of Machu Picchu as one of the mysterious places in the world. Today, it is possible to use the best technologies and create magnificent buildings, but their worth will never be the same as Machu Picchu has due to its attachment to history and human faith.
Works Cited
Cardona, Barbara. “Uncovering the Mystery of Machu Picchu.” Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research, vol. 3, no. 1, 2017, pp. 47-55.
Hall, Amy Cox. Framing a Lost City: Science, Photography, and the Making of Machu Picchu. University of Texas Press, 2017.
Kavoori, Anandam. “The Inkas Married the Earth: Excavating Machu Picchu.” Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment, vol. 27, no. 3, 2020, pp. 648-660.
History.Com Editors. “Machu Pucchu.” History.com, 2018, Web.