What ancient civilization built the Machu Picchu? A) Aztec B) Maya C) Inca D) Olmec
VerifiedAnswer: C) Inca
Explanation:
Machu Picchu, often called the "Lost City of the Incas," was built by the mighty Inca civilization in the 15th century. This breathtaking ancient citadel sits high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, approximately 2,430 meters above sea level, showcasing the incredible engineering skills of the Incas.
The site was constructed around 1450 CE during the reign of Inca emperor Pachacuti. Archaeological evidence clearly points to Inca origin through several distinctive features. The structures display the characteristic Inca building style with precisely cut stone blocks that fit together so perfectly that not even a knife blade can slip between them. This technique, known as ashlar masonry, was a hallmark of Inca architecture.
Let's understand why the other options are incorrect. The Aztec civilization flourished in central Mexico and built impressive cities like Tenochtitlan, but they never extended their empire to the South American Andes where Machu Picchu is located. Similarly, the Maya civilization was primarily centered in the Yucatan Peninsula, Guatemala, and surrounding regions of Mesoamerica, far from Peru.
The Olmec civilization, often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, existed much earlier (around 1500-400 BCE) and was located in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico. They predated Machu Picchu by over a thousand years and were geographically separated by vast distances.
What makes Machu Picchu uniquely Incan is not just its location but also its purpose and design. The site served as a royal estate and sacred center, featuring temples, residential areas, and agricultural terraces that demonstrate the Incas' advanced understanding of mountain agriculture. The famous Intihuatana stone, used for astronomical observations, reflects the Inca's sophisticated knowledge of celestial movements.
The site was mysteriously abandoned around 1572, possibly due to Spanish conquest pressures, and remained hidden from the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Today, Machu Picchu stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, serving as a testament to the remarkable achievements of the Inca civilization in architecture, engineering, and urban planning.
