Introduction: Exploring the duration of human habitation at Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu is a fascinating historical site that draws visitors from all over the world. One question that often arises is how long people lived in Machu Picchu. In this discussion, we will explore the duration of human habitation at Machu Picchu.

Construction period: Estimating the time it took to build the city.

The exact time it took to build Machu Picchu is unknown. However, historians estimate that the construction of the city began in the mid-15th century and lasted for approximately 80 years. During this period, the Inca people used advanced construction techniques to build the site, including the use of large stone blocks that were precisely cut to fit together.

Inca occupation: The period during which the Inca people inhabited the site.

Machu Picchu was inhabited by the Inca people until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. The exact period of Inca occupation is unclear, but it is believed that the city was used as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti and his family.

Spanish conquest: The impact of foreign invaders on Machu Picchu’s occupation.

The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century had a significant impact on the Inca people and their way of life. The conquistadors brought with them diseases that the Inca people had no immunity to, which resulted in a significant decline in the population. The Spanish also plundered many Inca sites, including Machu Picchu, in search of gold and other treasures.

Abandonment: Theories on why the city was deserted.

There are several theories as to why Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Inca people. One theory suggests that the city was abandoned due to a smallpox epidemic that killed many of its inhabitants. Another theory proposes that the city was abandoned due to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, who forced the Inca people to flee. Yet another theory suggests that the city was abandoned due to a severe drought that made it impossible to sustain life.

Conclusion: Assessing the length of time people lived in Machu Picchu.

In conclusion, while the exact length of time people lived in Machu Picchu is unknown, it is estimated that the site was inhabited by the Inca people for several decades until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Despite its abandonment, Machu Picchu remains a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the Inca civilization’s ingenuity and legacy.