Secret of Machu Picchu: why was the ancient Inca city abandoned?

Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city in Peru, was built in the 15th century, possibly as a royal estate or sacred site for Inca leaders. It was abandoned in the 16th century with the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.

The site remained largely unknown until its rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Machu Picchu was constructed by the Inca civilization, likely during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti in the mid-1400s.

Archaeologists believe it served as a palatial complex, royal retreat, or religious sanctuary for the Inca elite.

The city showcases Inca engineering prowess, with buildings made of precisely cut stones, terraces, and a unique system for draining rainwater.

The reasons for Machu Picchu's abandonment are not fully understood, but it may have been linked to the Spanish conquest or a civil war within the Inca empire.

Hiram Bingham, a Yale University professor, is credited with the modern "rediscovery" of Machu Picchu in 1911, although local people were aware of the site.

In 1981, Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary, and in 1983, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, Machu Picchu is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its architecture and appreciate its rich history.