Introduction: Examining the factors that led to Machu Picchu’s abandonment.

Machu Picchu is an ancient city built by the Inca civilization in the 15th century. Despite being one of the most iconic and well-known archaeological sites in the world, the reasons behind its abandonment by the Inca people have remained a mystery. In this essay, we will explore some of the factors that may have led to Machu Picchu being left alone.

Spanish conquest: The impact of foreign invaders on the Inca Empire.

One of the most significant factors that may have contributed to Machu Picchu’s abandonment is the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. In 1532, the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro arrived in Peru and began a campaign to conquer the Inca people. Over the next few years, the Spanish fought a brutal war against the Incas, ultimately defeating them and establishing a colonial regime in the region.

During this period of conflict and upheaval, many Inca cities and settlements were abandoned, and their inhabitants fled into the mountains or to remote areas. It is possible that Machu Picchu was one of these settlements, and that the Inca people left the city in order to avoid being captured or killed by the Spanish.

Isolation: The remote location and limited access to the site.

Another possible factor that contributed to Machu Picchu’s abandonment is its remote location and limited access. The city is situated on a mountaintop in the Andes, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense jungle. The only way to reach Machu Picchu is by hiking along a narrow and winding trail that is difficult to navigate.

It is possible that the Inca people who lived in Machu Picchu found it difficult to sustain themselves in such a remote and isolated location. The city is not located near any major water sources or agricultural areas, which would have made it challenging to grow crops or obtain fresh water.

Internal factors: Possible reasons for the Inca people to desert the city.

There are several theories as to why the Inca people who lived in Machu Picchu may have abandoned the city. One theory suggests that the city was abandoned due to a smallpox epidemic that swept through the region in the late 16th century. Another theory suggests that the city was abandoned due to political unrest and infighting among the Inca people.

It is also possible that the Inca people who lived in Machu Picchu abandoned the city for religious or spiritual reasons. The Incas were known to place great importance on the alignment of their cities and temples with the stars and planets, and it is possible that Machu Picchu was abandoned due to a perceived misalignment with the cosmos.

Rediscovery: The eventual exploration and documentation of Machu Picchu.

Despite being abandoned by the Inca people for centuries, Machu Picchu was eventually rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Bingham’s discovery of the site helped to raise public awareness of the Inca civilization and sparked a renewed interest in the history and culture of the Andean region.

Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, attracting millions of visitors each year. The site is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Conclusion: Understanding the reasons behind Machu Picchu’s abandonment and preservation.

In conclusion, there are several factors that may have contributed to Machu Picchu being left alone by the Inca people. The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, the site’s remote location and limited access, internal factors such