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Machu Picchu


Machu Picchu
Photo Information
Copyright: Richard Mayneord (richwm) Silver Note Writer [C: 7 W: 0 N: 10] (81)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-06-26
Categories: Humorous, Architecture
Camera: Canon EOS 30D, Canon EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 II USM
Exposure: f/3.5, 1/60 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Close-ups of world-famous sites [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-04-17 6:11
Viewed: 606
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Ok, this is my third, and probably final, posting of a ridiculously close-up photo of a world famous site. If I post any more then I think I'm in serious danger of being thought of as a bit strange!

So, this is my photo of one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.

The construction work involved to shape stones that so smoothly interlock, and using only the most basic of tools is just incredible. No cement or other 'bonding agent' was used in these wall's construction either. The ancient South Americans (I'm not sure if I can credit this to the Incas, or if it was a previous civilisation) developed a way of joining each rock to those around it by using a sort of pin and hole technique - a bit like a 3D jigsaw puzzle - and this locked all the stones to each other and, importantly, made them earthquake proof in a region of extreme seismic volatility.

Machu Picchu was believed to be one of the final settlements of the Inca Empire. It was certainly never found by the invading Spanish forces. It is believed that the last of the Incas retreated through Machu Picchu destroying all the paths and trails leading there as they went. The Incas final stronghold was a city called Vilcabamba.

Machu Picchu was eventually discovered by the outside world in 1911 when an American historian called Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it whilst looking for the elusive Vilcabamba. He thought he'd found it with the discovery of Machu Picchu but more recent information now pins the lost city of Vilcabamba deeper in the jungle - to the remote ruins of Espíritu Pampa.

Machu Picchu is South America's best known and most spectacular archaeological site.

Regards,

Rich
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Richard!
This is an FYI for me, thanxxx for your note :)
I like your close-up pic showing the method in the very early days.
TFS,
Freddie :)

A bit strange?

Well again, creative POV but also, as your note reveals, an important one. These kinds of details are seldom shared because people are so keen to take the "big picture." The amazing stonework is clear to see here.
Thank you for sharing it
Rew

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