Here is the information needed to complete your Machu Picchu worksheet.
Location:
Machu Picchu District, Urubamba Province, Cusco Region, Peru. (It is located in the Andes Mountains).
Year Built:
Approximately 1450 AD (during the reign of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti).
Why Was It Built?
Historians believe it was built as a royal estate or retreat for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. It may have also served as a religious ceremonial center and an astronomical observatory.
Physical Description:
Machu Picchu is an ancient citadel situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley. It features dry-stone walls (stones fitted together without mortar), terraced fields for farming, and temples aligned with celestial events. The site includes over 150 buildings, such as houses, temples, sanctuaries, parks, and fountains.
Historical Facts:
* It was abandoned around 1572 during the Spanish Conquest but was never found by the Spanish conquistadors.
* It remained unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
* It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
* It is often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas."
Fun Facts:
* The stones were cut so precisely that they fit together tightly without using any cement or mortar. You cannot even fit a knife blade between many of them!
* It is believed that the Incas used a technique called "ashlar" to build the walls, which helps them withstand earthquakes.
* There are no wheels or iron tools believed to have been used in its construction; everything was moved by human labor.
Landmark Represents:
The ingenuity and engineering skills of the Inca Empire. It represents a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, showing how the Incas respected and adapted to their environment.
Color It on the Map Below:
You should color the country of
Peru in South America. It is located on the western coast of the continent, north of Chile and west of Brazil.
Materials Used:
* Granite stone (locally quarried)
* Wood (for roofs and doors, though most has decayed)
* Thatch (grass for roofing)
Landmark Dimensions:
*
Area: Approximately 32,592 hectares (80,554 acres) for the entire sanctuary, though the urban sector is much smaller.
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Elevation: About 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level.
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Size of Urban Sector: Roughly 500 meters long and 200 meters wide.
Designers:
The Inca Emperor
Pachacuti (also known as Pachacútec) is credited with ordering its construction. The actual builders were thousands of Inca workers and engineers.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of landmarks worksheet.
