Machu Picchu 101
Transcript
The stone city of Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating archeological sites on the planet.
Located northwest of Cuso, Peru, Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca people.
During its prime, the Inca civilization stretched about 2500 miles along South America’s Pacific Coastline.
From modern day Ecuador down into Chile.
This distance is nearly the horizontal width of the continental United States.
Machu Picchu, located at the center of this once expansive empire, is one of the few well-preserved remnants of the Inca civilization.
Built around the mid 15th century, Machu Picchu is a stunning example of the Inca’s engineering feats.
The Inca constructed Machu Picchu’s palaces, temples, terraces, and infrastructure using stone and without the help of wheels or tools made of steel or iron.
One particularly notable aspect of their construction is foregoing the use of mortar, a material often used to bind stones together.
Nonetheless, the stones of Machu Picchu were cut so precisely that they snugly fit together.
Located on two fault lines Machu Picchu often experiences earthquakes but because of the stones’ exceptional cut and fit, they bounce during tremors and then are able to easily fall back into position.
These engineering marvels have preserved Machu Picchu’s remarkable condition for over 500 years.
Machu Picchu’s purpose is still a mystery to many archeologists.
Some theorize that it may have served as a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for nobility.
The site’s geographic layout may be significant in another way.
Many of both the manmade and natural structures appear to align with astronomical events.
But in the early 16th century, only about 100 years after it was built, Machu Picchu was abandoned.
And since the Inca had no written language, no records exist to explain the exact purpose of the site.
Although local communities knew about Machu Picchu, the site remained largely unknown to the outside world for hundreds of years.
Spanish conquistadors who invaded the Inca civilization in the 16th century never came across the site.
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.
Bingham and successive explorers devoted much of their academic careers to studying the archeological wonder.
Despite its enigmatic nature, Machu Picchu still stands as one of the world’s most important archeological sites.
It is a testament to the power and ingenuity of one of the largest empires in the Americas.
In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu as a world heritage site and today visitors from around the world come to pay homage to this piece of history.
Vocabulary List
archeological
(adjective) related to archaeology, the study of the past by examining objects and sites that were created or used by people in the past
testament
(noun) a formal statement of beliefs or principles
ingenuity
(noun) the ability to come up with clever or original ideas
expansive
(adjective) large in size or extent
well-preserved
(adjective) in good condition because it has not been damaged or changed much
remnant
(noun) a small part of something that remains after the rest has been lost or destroyed
stunning
(adjective) very impressive or beautiful
feat
(noun) a remarkable or impressive achievement
notable
(adjective) worthy of attention or notice
forego
(verb) to give up something, especially something that is desirable
bind
(verb) to tie or fasten something tightly
snugly
(adverb) in a comfortable and secure way
marvel
(noun) something that causes great surprise or admiration
theorize
(verb) to form a theory or explanation about something
stronghold
(noun) a place that is strongly fortified and difficult to capture
nobility
(noun) the quality of being noble, or having high moral standards
conquistador
(noun) a Spanish conqueror of the Americas in the 16th century
invade
(verb) to enter a country or territory for the purpose of conquest or occupation
come across
(verb) to find something by chance
debut
(verb) to make a first appearance in public
successive
(adjective) following one after the other in order
enigmatic
(adjective) mysterious or puzzling
designate
(verb) to appoint or select someone for a particular role or position
Grammar Point
In this lesson, we will identify the various adverbs in the video.
We use adverbs to modify/explain:
– verbs
– adjectives
– other adverbs
northwest
Located northwest of Cuso, Peru, Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca people.
“Northwest” is an adverb of place.
In this sentence, it modifies the verb “located.”
nearly
This distance is nearly the horizontal width of the continental United States.
“Nearly” is an adverb of degree.
In this sentence, it modifies the verb “is.”
once
Machu Picchu, located at the center of this once expansive empire, is one of the few well-preserved remnants of the Inca civilization.
“Once” is an adverb of frequency.
In this sentence, it modifies the adjective “expansive.”
particularly
One particularly notable aspect of their construction is foregoing the use of mortar, a material often used to bind stones together.
“Particularly” is an adverb of focus.
In this sentence, it modifies the adjective “notable.”
precisely, snugly
Nonetheless, the stones of Machu Picchu were cut so precisely that they snugly fit together.
“Precisely” is an adverb of manner.
In this sentence, it modifies the verb “cut.”
“Snugly” is an adverb of manner.
In this sentence, it modifies the verb “fit.”
easily
Located on two fault lines Machu Picchu often experiences earthquakes but because of the stones’ exceptional cut and fit, they bounce during tremors and then are able to easily fall back into position.
“Easily” is an adverb of manner.
In this sentence, it modifies the verb “fall back.”
largely
Although local communities knew about Machu Picchu, the site remained largely unknown to the outside world for hundreds of years.
“Largely” is an adverb of focus.
In this sentence, it modifies the adjective “unknown.”