Timeline of Machu Picchu by Beth Stankewicz

1532 CE - Spanish conquest

bethstankewicz27 — 2024-05-10 14:39:31 UTC

When the Spanish conquistadors came, it led to the Incan decline and abandonment of the city, but there are no signs of the Spanish reaching Machu Picchu to discover the treasures. It had a very strategic and hidden location. Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conqueror depicted above is most famous for his conquests of the Incan Empire (Regas and Cañaguera 11-13).

Image Source: 1900 photo on Wikimedia Commons

1911 - Hiram Bingham

bethstankewicz27 — 2024-05-10 14:40:37 UTC

In 1915, the explorer, Hiram Bingham brought Machu Picchu to the public and encouraged many archeological investigations. He did not discover Machu Picchu, but he made it well known to the world. Before, not many people knew about Machu Picchu. He even inspired the Indiana Jones movie (Regas and Cañagueral 10-18).

Image Source: photo from the Granger Collection on Britannica Image Source

1983 - UNESCO World Heritage Site

bethstankewicz27 — 2024-05-10 14:54:11 UTC

Machu Picchu became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many reasons. Machu Picchu displays a human and nature connection and the many functions it had for the Incan empire. Additionally, there is beautiful, historic buildings surrounded by nature that display its value. There are many unique species and landscapes that surround the area. The city the Incans built so long ago has endured, having little changes to the area ("Historic Sanctuary").

2007 - 7 Wonders of the World

bethstankewicz27 — 2024-05-10 15:39:28 UTC

On July 7, 2007 Machu Picchu was voted on by millions to be one of the 7 Wonders of the World. It was named one of the 7 Wonders of the World because it is displays the complex ancient Incan civilization and displays their accomplishments. The civilization was built into the mountains of Peru, hidden. It has gained a sacred and symbolic status among natives and tourists ("Machu Picchu").

Image Source: photo on IncaTrailMachu

1450 AD Construction

bethstankewicz27 — 2024-05-10 15:39:37 UTC

Pachacuti ordered the construction of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was used for a variety of reasons, although the main purpose for construction is unclear to historians. However, historians do know Pachacuti used Machu Picchu as a "vacation home"(Regas and Cañagueral 28).

Image Source: 2019 photo on Wikimedia Commons