Short History Of... Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
Jul 17, 2022
Javier Puente, an associate professor of Latin American studies and historian, dives deep into the enigmatic world of the Incas. He explores the intricate network of the Inca Trail, revealing how it unified diverse regions. The discussion covers the purpose behind Machu Picchu’s strategic location and its role as a royal estate, offering insight into Inca engineering marvels. They also touch on the societal impacts of disease and the eventual abandonment of this iconic site, while contemplating its mysteries that continue to captivate the modern world.
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Bingham's First Visit To Machu Picchu
- Hiram Bingham first reaches Machu Picchu in 1911 guided by a local boy and takes limited photos in poor light.
- He initially sees it as a curiosity, not the lost Inca city he seeks, and moves on after a brief visit.
Roads Enabled Rapid Imperial Communication
- Chaski runners formed a relay across the Andes, covering huge distances rapidly to transmit messages.
- This road network made communication between Quito and Cusco possible in about a week, enabling imperial control.
Kipu As Three‑Dimensional Records
- The Incas used kipu: knotted cord records that encoded numeric and possibly narrative data.
- Kipu varied by scribe and used color, knot type, and material to convey encrypted administrative information.