The First Explorers of Machu Picchu: Megalithic City in the Clouds

The Mystique of Machu Picchu 00:52

"Machu Picchu is a lost city that was never supposed to be found."

• Machu Picchu remains one of the most enigmatic ancient sites in the world, sitting high atop a ridge in the Andean Amazon.

• The city’s exact name, purpose, and construction date are still unknown, contributing to its mystery.

• It was abandoned and forgotten, not even mentioned during the Age of Conquest when Spanish conquistadors explored Peru.

The Collapse of the Inca Empire 01:54

"By the mid-1500s, the Inca Empire had completely collapsed."

• Following the death of the Inca emperor, the capital Cusco fell under Spanish control, prompting conquistadors to search for more native civilizations.

• Over the next four centuries, European explorers extensively traveled North, Central, and South America, often destroying evidence of ancient civilizations.

• Despite the discovery of many lost cities, including those of the Inca, great cities in the Amazon remained elusive, leading to myths about their existence.

Hiram Bingham's Expedition 03:24

"Hiram Bingham was not an archaeologist; he taught South American Latin history at Yale."

• Hiram Bingham, a Yale professor, became captivated by the mystery of lost Inca cities after visiting Peru in 1908.

• He spent years seeking funding for his expedition to discover the lost city, eventually receiving support from National Geographic.

• In 1911, Bingham returned to Peru with a small expedition crew, determined to explore the region where he believed the lost cities could be found.

Encountering Local Knowledge 07:30

"He said there were some very good ruins in this vicinity."

• While traversing the challenging environment, Bingham and his crew met a local man, Melchor Arteaga, who informed them about ruins on nearby mountaintops.

• Arteaga indicated that he knew of significant ruins atop Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, providing Bingham with a possible lead on the ancient city.

• After some persuasion, Bingham convinced Arteaga to guide them to the ruins once the rain subsided.

The Dangers of Exploration 08:39

"The fer-de-lance is clearly regarded by Bingham as the single most deadly obstacle of exploring the lower valleys of the Inca realm."

• Bingham encountered numerous obstacles during his exploration, including the deadly local fauna, specifically the fer-de-lance snake, known for its lethal bite.

• This snake became a recurring theme in Bingham's writings, emphasizing the dangers faced while exploring the lower valleys and the negligence that came with the thrill of discovery.

• His accounts highlight that hazards like deadly snakes made the exploration of the Inca realm exceptionally perilous compared to other challenges like altitude or terrain.

The Difficult Ascent to Machu Picchu 09:07

"Bingham crawled on his knees inch by inch across the bridge."

• Hiram Bingham and his team faced significant challenges as they made their way toward Machu Picchu, demonstrating both physical exhaustion and trepidation. Bingham observed his companions Carrasco and Melchor navigate a precariously constructed bridge with ease, while he crawled slowly due to fear of falling into the icy waters below.

• The ascent was arduous, taking over an hour and demanding considerable effort as they climbed steep jungle slopes. There were moments when they resorted to climbing on all fours, encountering primitive ladders and slippery grass that made the journey treacherous.

• Exhaustion set in as they reached a small hut, where they were welcomed by local Indians who shared cold water and cooked sweet potatoes, highlighting the hospitality of the indigenous people. These farmers revealed that the area had been largely unoccupied for centuries, yet they had cultivated ancient Inca terraces which remained fertile and capable of producing crops.

Discovery of Ancient Terraces and Communities 11:05

"They were built with such care that they'd not fallen into ruin since the area was abandoned centuries ago."

• The Inca terraces Bingham encountered were well-preserved, indicating the advanced agricultural practices of the ancient civilization despite centuries of abandonment. The natives shared that there were only two treacherous routes in and out of the area, suggesting a remote and isolated environment.

• Bingham's exploration revealed the ongoing presence of modern descendants of the Inca, now residing in the forgotten remnants of their ancestors' land. They cultivated crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, and beans, adapting to their secluded lifestyle.

The Unexpected Ruins of Machu Picchu 15:07

"Suddenly, I found myself confronted with the walls of ruined houses built of the finest quality of Inca stonework."

• Upon ascending further, Bingham came across structures that hinted at a magnificent past. The ruins displayed remarkable craftsmanship and were partially concealed by vegetation, showcasing the enduring legacy of Inca architecture.

• He discovered a cave that appeared to be a royal mausoleum, indicating that the site held significant historical importance. Bingham noted the resemblance of one structure to the Temple of the Sun in Cusco, suggesting a connection to key religious practices of the Inca.

• The precision of the stonework left Bingham in awe, as the granite ruins demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship with no visible mortar, a hallmark of Inca engineering. The structures had remained stable even without maintenance, encapsulating the brilliance of ancient builders.

Awe and Realization at Machu Picchu 17:06

"It seemed like an unbelievable dream."

• As Bingham explored the site, he recognized that the ruins before him were among the finest examples of stonework he had ever seen. The monumental quality of the structures hinted at the historical significance of Machu Picchu within the Inca civilization and beyond.

• The beauty and strategic placement of the ruins, alongside the stunning natural backdrop, illuminated the importance of Machu Picchu both as an architectural feat and a testament to Inca culture. His journey not only altered his perception but also shaped the understanding of ancient Peru for future generations.

The Magnificent Structures of Machu Picchu 18:05

"The principal temple had walls 12 feet high, which were lined with exquisitely made niches."

• Hiram Bingham describes the remarkable architecture of Machu Picchu, highlighting its impressive structures made from beautiful white granite. The walls comprised blocks of cyclopean size, some towering higher than a man.

• The main temple stood with walls of 12 feet, featuring intricately designed niches, and it appeared to lack a roof, indicating it was designed for open sunlight, welcoming the sun by priests and perhaps even mummies.

• Bingham was taken aback by the scale of the blocks, estimating them to weigh between 10 to 15 tons each, showcasing a level of craftsmanship that rivaled the best masonry in Egypt.

The Design and Construction of the City 19:00

"It appears as though Machu Picchu was intentionally designed as if it were emerging from the earth itself."

• Machu Picchu's construction is lauded for its elegance and integration with the natural landscape, with its architecture seeming to rise organically from the granite outcroppings.

• Unique structural elements, such as masonry walls with three windows, suggest an architectural lineage tied to historical Inca narratives, including a potentially significant connection to Manco the Great, the first Inca emperor.

Exploratory Challenges and Initial Discoveries 21:01

"Everyone was amazed at the size, scale, and grandeur of the city."

• During Bingham's expedition, significant challenges arose, such as clearing dense undergrowth to reveal the intricate layout of the ruins, affirming its importance as a historical site.

• By 1912, collaborations with Yale University and National Geographic were formed to further explore Machu Picchu, which was recognized for its size and monumental remains after intense mapping and excavation efforts began.

Evidence of Machu Picchu’s Historical Significance 24:24

"Bingham believed he had found the lost last capital of the Inca Empire, Vilcabamba."

• Bingham and his team posited that Machu Picchu could be the long-lost capital of the Inca Empire due to its strategic natural fortifications and breathtaking elevation.

• The city was identified as a sanctuary potentially dedicated to sun worship, revealing the advanced civilization’s complex social structures and religious practices.

Architectural Discoveries and Insights 26:04

"Machu Picchu was not just a late period site during the Spanish conquest, but a city that had existed long before."

• Ongoing exploration indicated that Machu Picchu was constructed in multiple phases, evident from the repairs and modifications found at the city gate.

• The absence of symbolic staircases typically found at other archaeological sites suggests Machu Picchu transcends mere architectural significance, hinting at a deeper historical context that predates even the Inca civilization.

The Practical Function of Staircases at Machu Picchu 27:01

"At Machu Picchu, Bingham found that every staircase served a practical function, unlike symbolic staircases in other ancient sites."

• Bingham noted that, unlike symbolic staircases found in places like Cusco and Tiwanaku, every staircase at Machu Picchu appeared to have a specific, practical purpose.

• He speculated that this difference might indicate that Machu Picchu was older than previously assumed, as the ornamental motif of staircases seen in Inca architecture did not seem to apply here.

The Ingenious Aqueduct System 28:10

"Bingham discovered that the Inca had engineered an aqueduct system spanning nearly a mile, feeding fresh water to the city."

• At Machu Picchu, Bingham found a fresh water spring at a peak that is rarely captured in photographs. From this spring, the Inca constructed an aqueduct system that extended nearly a mile across the ridge, zigzagging through boulders and passing through tunnels.

• This innovative system increased water pressure as it flowed, ultimately discharging into beautifully crafted granite fountains at the city's heart.

Architectural Mastery and Unique Stonework 28:42

"Bingham discovered a 32-angled stone that far exceeded the famous 12-angled stone found in Peru."

• In the Sacred Plaza, Bingham made a significant observation regarding the craftsmanship of a giant granite stone, cut at 32 different angles to fit smaller blocks on top. This surpasses the well-known 12-angled stone, demonstrating advanced stonemasonry.

• The intricate carving of niches in the walls was so precise that distinguishing differences was nearly impossible, showcasing Machu Picchu's unique architectural finesse.

The Temple of the Sun and Its Significance 32:01

"Bingham believed the Temple of the Sun may have housed a priest, reflecting the architectural sophistication of the Incas."

• Upon his initial visit, Bingham encountered the Temple of the Sun, which he theorized may have been a residence for a priest due to its resemblance to similar structures in Cusco.

• He detailed the exceptional stonemasonry, making comparisons to ancient temples worldwide and highlighting the precise fit of the stones, indicating a high level of skill among the ancient builders.

Royal and Luxurious Features of the King's Group 33:35

"Bingham found that the king's group featured large, enclosed rooms that were incredibly rare in the ancient world."

• Bingham theorized that the large, enclosed rooms he found were likely the king's residence, due to their elaborate layout and proximity to the city's fountains.

• He noted that these rooms lacked outside windows for privacy, making their construction particularly impressive as large-roofed spaces are uncommon in ancient architecture.

• The doorways were also notable for featuring three-ton megalithic lintels, reflecting the advanced engineering techniques of the Inca that puzzled Bingham, especially given the absence of cranes or pulleys for such heavy lifting.

Water Sources and Man-Made Tunnels 35:51

"Some say they are just natural cavities, while others claim actual man-made tunnels exist beneath the city."

• There are stories of hollow areas and man-made tunnels underneath Machu Picchu, with some suggesting these structures were built for ritualistic purposes, representing the transition between the earthly world and the underworld in Inca cosmology.

• The presence of these tunnels is intriguing, as no natural tunnel-like caves have been found at the mountaintop of Machu Picchu so far.

Hiram Bingham's Excavations 36:51

"Our first task was to see whether excavation in the principal structures would lead to the unearthing of potsherds or artifacts."

• Hiram Bingham's excavations began with high hopes of uncovering valuable artifacts or signs of past inhabitants. Despite expectations, the team found only hollow noises while digging, indicating the possibility of hidden spaces.

• Unfortunately, after extensive digging, they encountered disappointment with no artifacts, bones, or notable findings.

Discoveries of Burial Caves 38:18

"Late in the second day, his native friends returned to camp, claiming they just found eight burial caves."

• Bingham's native friends claimed to have found eight burial caves, leading the team to a significant discovery of human remains and artifacts.

• Among the remains were bones that indicated the age and societal status of the buried individuals, including a woman with cooking pots, as well as the first piece of Inca pottery Bingham ever found.

Insights into Inca Culture 40:02

"Ultimately, Bingham would go on to find more than 50 different burial caves hanging off sheer granite cliffs."

• Bingham discovered over 50 burial caves, containing mummified remains without signs of trepanation, suggesting that the area was not a battlefield.

• Intriguing finds included royal figures and high-ranking priestesses with possessions that reflected their status, such as bronze jewelry and mummified pets, pointing to the reverence for these individuals in Inca society.

Record Keeping Practices 42:01

"Bingham excavated a load of green 'record stones,' which he believed were used as a form of record-keeping prior to the Inca invention of the quipu."

• Bingham unearthed unique stone records that hinted at ancient methods of documentation, predating the Inca's quipu system.

• This raises questions about earlier cultures that may have inhabited the area before the Incas, suggesting that Machu Picchu might have a richer history than previously understood.

Local Knowledge and Historical Significance 43:33

"It’s almost always the case that the locals knew where the lost places were all along."

• There is a recognition that local knowledge was crucial for Bingham's discoveries, as native locals guided him to Machu Picchu, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of its historical significance.

• Bingham was convinced that Machu Picchu served as a central hub for the Inca civilization, influencing the architecture of other significant temples in the region, and perhaps reflecting the civilization's spiritual and cultural prominence during its era.

Hiram Bingham's Discovery of Machu Picchu 44:47

"Bingham confidently believed he had found not only the lost last temple of the Inca, but the birthplace of the first Inca emperor and the city that predated the Inca realm."

• Hiram Bingham's exploration of Machu Picchu led him to believe he unearthed an ancient site of immense significance, thought to be the last temple of the Inca.

• He speculated that this location could also have been the birthplace of the first Inca emperor and reflected an early civilization that influenced the remarkable stonework found throughout South America.

The Mystery of Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba 45:12

"Machu Picchu is a lost city in the truest sense; its name was never uttered again after it was abandoned."

• Decades after Bingham's assertions, it was determined that while Machu Picchu may have been linked to earlier civilizations, he did not discover Vilcabamba, the last Inca capital.

• Gene Savoy later found the true Vilcabamba in 1964, confirming Spanish accounts through excavations that revealed around 300 buildings, validating his claim of finding the actual lost capital.

• The name Machu Picchu was not passed on, making it a true enigma, as it lacked any oral history or references in Spanish records following its abandonment.

The Importance of Machu Picchu’s Silence 46:30

"Perhaps that silence tells us the importance of what Bingham actually found."

• When the Inca abandoned Machu Picchu, they ceased to mention its name, which raises questions about its significance and what purposes it served.

• The site is suggested to be a divine sanctuary, a refuge from the outside world, an observatory for celestial bodies, and a place for communion with ancestors—functions that have faded from historical understanding.

• The absence of references to Machu Picchu in later accounts highlights the mystery and the potential depth of its importance to the Inca before it was lost to time.