Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic

Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire. Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, Machu Picchu stands as an archaeological wonder of the ancient world. But why was it built—and deserted?

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Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic

National Geographic

[livetotravel]

I really like the wording National Geographic uses at 2:34 – “It wasn’t until the early 20th century when Melchor Arteaga, a local farmer debuted Machu Picchu to outsiders when he led Yale University professor Hiram Bingham to the site”. Too often content creators credit foreigners for ‘discovering’ historic ruins when more often than not, locals have known about these places for generations.

[rrek]

I hiked the 4 day inca trail to Machu Picchu. What an incredible experience. Everyone should do it if afforded the opportunity.

[Do_Odles]

I like the way the llama is like "make sure you get my good side!"

[allthingswildlifeyt]

A ancient civilization built a temple that has survived earthquakes. Kudos to them.

[hanceldetorres]

Machu Picchu is so beautiful! Flew from the Philippines just to see this gem <3

[roytyndall]

I'll be there next week! I'm so psyched to see and experience Machu Picchu! I heard about it in my 20s, so this trip has been a long time coming. Being there for a week will be awe-inspiring I'm sure!

[DeadBaron]

I find it highly unlikely they didn't have a written language. You don't just slap a city together like that without math and written planning. Isn't it more likely we haven't been able to find surviving examples?

[mollyshannon]

Climbed this a month ago. It was the most physically demanding thing I have ever done. It was brutal, intense but very inspiring.

[RostislavLapshin]

Several methods of fabrication of the polygonal masonry using clay/gypsum replicas, a topography translator, and reduced clay models of the stone blocks along with a 3D-pantograph are described in the article “Fabrication methods of the polygonal masonry of large tightly-fitted stone blocks with curved surface interfaces in megalithic structures of Peru”. YouTube does not allow a direct link. Search by the article title.

[adamjeczkowski]

I wish inca civilization were not destroyed

[robbiePlanetaSano]

I am in Peru and just went to Machu Pichu, today I was in Chiclayo following the Moche . All awesome ! This showed up in my feed today 😊

[aiwawonii]

I saw Machu Picchu for the first time on the National Geographic Channel. They say that a settlement must be close to a source of water for life. This reminds me of the ancient settlement of the wawonii's kingdom which is very close to several springs. Our palace was also completely abandoned in 1745 after King Mbeoga died. People call the palace as "Watuntinapi" or Watuntumapi". Until now this place was heard from several people who searched the location, very few were able to find it. That's why I called it the secret palace of the wawonii kingdom.
But I was so amazed by Machu Picchu. It was like a very amazing palace. so wonderful.
I'm sorry if my english grammar not perfect😅

[andtam]

no written language left? and still could build such amazing structure! Just wow!

[superfly]

I would be very interested to know what the native ppl have to say about the history of this amazingly built place. The legend doesn’t die I wouldn’t think

[Oprah]

the incas and mayans had a very complicated language, but the Spanish burnt all but 4 pieces of literature. the language was slowly lost and an enormous piece f human history was gone forever

[anandtajane]

Natgeo is the best channel, the problem is the music at the end of every video, it has so large sound, which annoys everyone,

Plz make that sound low....

[algerienoranais]

Very impressive, The Inca were briliants

[Xolotl.of.Aztlan]

The Greatest Place On Earth!! Manchu Picchu is really awesome ! 👍👍

[ranazaman]

This is an excellent video by National Geographic. Short but contains so much information.

[knifetoucher]

Hello, I am a traveler of space and time and I can confirm that Machu Picchu was both a military stronghold and a temple for sacrificial offerings.