How Machu Picchu Was Built: A Testimony to Advanced Engineering
Machu Picchu, one of the wonders of the ancient world, continues to amaze experts and visitors alike with its impressive engineering and construction. The story behind its construction reveals not only the audacity of Emperor Pachacutec, who ordered its construction, but also the technical mastery of the Inca engineers who managed to transform an extremely challenging terrain into a magnificent stone complex. In this article, we will explore how the Incas faced and overcame geological, climatic and architectural challenges to create one of the most iconic cities in history.
The Decision to Build in Difficult Terrain
Pachacutec’s decision to build Machu Picchu in such a difficult location may seem surprising. The site, located on a steep slope in the Peruvian Andes, features rugged terrain and a climate that might have discouraged any modern engineer. Building in an area with steep slopes and on two earthquake faults presented significant challenges, from soil stability to water management.
Despite these challenges, Pachacutec chose the site for its natural virtues. The proximity to a spring and the availability of granite, a critical building material, were decisive factors. These resources allowed Inca engineers to develop an innovative strategy to ensure the stability and durability of the city.
Geological and Climatological Challenges
One of the greatest challenges in the construction of Machu Picchu was the steep terrain and seismic activity in the region. The site is located on two earthquake faults, making it especially susceptible to tremors. In addition, Machu Picchu receives torrential rainfall throughout the year, averaging approximately 1920 millimeters annually. This amount of rainfall, nearly double what a city like Chicago receives, had the potential to cause serious erosion and landslide problems if not properly managed.
To meet these challenges, Inca engineers devised a series of ingenious solutions that have been uncovered and detailed in recent studies.
The Terrace Solution
One of the first and most important steps in the construction of Machu Picchu was the stabilization of the terrain by creating terraces. These terraces not only served for agriculture, but also played a crucial role in the stability of the mountain. The construction of the terraces involved the leveling of the terrain and the construction of retaining walls that prevented the soil from sliding.
Recently, the research team led by Ken Wyne discovered hundreds of additional terraces that had been hidden for centuries. These terraces formed a bastion that supported the mountain and drained excess water. The drainage system within the terraces was an engineering masterpiece. Layers of mulch, sand, gravel and larger stones were constructed to allow water to percolate progressively instead of flooding the surface. This strategy not only prevented erosion, but also helped maintain the stability of the terrain during heavy rains.
Water Management at Machu Picchu
Once the engineers reached the top of the mountain, they faced a new set of problems related to water management. The city, paved with rocks, did not have many places for water to accumulate. The Incas, however, anticipated this problem and designed a subway drainage system to manage water flow.
Wyne’s team discovered a network of culverts and canals that carried water throughout the city. These culverts not only evacuated water from the elevated areas to the central plaza, but also helped prevent flooding and water accumulation on the surface. In addition, it was discovered that beneath the layers of mulch and gravel was a thick layer of white granite chips, suggesting that the Incas had created an advanced subway drainage system. These colossal foundations, extending to nearly three meters below the surface, gathered and moved water away from the city, ensuring its stability.
The flow of water at Machu Picchu was carefully controlled through 16 beautifully designed fountains, fed by a nearby spring. Inca engineers built a channel with a precise 3% slope to deliver the right amount of water to each fountain. The flow capacity of these fountains ranged from 23 to 114 liters per minute, depending on the time of year, enough to supply a population of approximately 1,000 people. This approach not only guaranteed the water supply, but also celebrated the importance of water in the daily lives of Machu Picchu’s inhabitants.
Inca Stonework Techniques
Stonework was another significant challenge in the construction of Machu Picchu. The Incas used granite, an extremely hard rock, to build the city. Despite the lack of steel tools, the Incas developed advanced techniques for cutting, transporting and assembling the stones.
The quarrying process began with the creation of a “neck” in the granite block, which facilitated the fracturing of the rock. The Incas used large tools for the initial scarp work and then smaller tools for finishing. Once the blocks were cut, they were transported to the construction site using rollers or mud to reduce friction. Finally, the rocks were precisely placed in place, and adjusted to fit perfectly with adjacent stones. This method of assembly ensured that the structures were stable and durable.
The Construction of the Structures
The construction of the structures at Machu Picchu was a meticulous process. Walls and buildings were erected using precisely cut granite blocks. Inca engineers paid attention to every detail, from the setting of the stones to the final finish. The use of wedges and on-site finishing techniques ensured that each block fit perfectly into place. The walls of Machu Picchu, built with an intricate masonry technique, have stood the test of time and continue to be a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Inca builders.
The Legacy of the Inca Engineers
The legacy of the Inca engineers at Machu Picchu is evident in every corner of the city. The combination of terraces, subway drainage systems and advanced masonry techniques shows a deep understanding of engineering and architecture. The city has not only withstood the challenges of time and climate, but has also maintained its beauty and functionality over the centuries.
Machu Picchu is a testament to the vision and ability of the Incas to overcome obstacles and build in an extremely challenging environment. The engineering and construction of Machu Picchu remain a source of admiration and study, revealing the sophistication and advanced knowledge of a civilization that left a lasting legacy for the world.
The construction of Machu Picchu is a monumental feat that continues to amaze experts and visitors alike. The combination of technical ingenuity and craftsmanship allowed the Incas to transform a challenging terrain into one of the most impressive wonders of the ancient world. From water management to stonemasonry techniques, every aspect of the construction reflects the ingenuity and skill of the Inca engineers. Today, Machu Picchu is not only a symbol of the greatness of Inca civilization, but also a reminder of the human capacity to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The magnificence of Machu Picchu remains a tribute to the advanced engineering and craftsmanship of the Incas, a legacy that continues to inspire and amaze generations.