Historic Conservation Project begins at "Machu Picchu of the North"-Marcahuamachuco (better than?)

Marcahuamachuco marks the site of Pre-Incan ruins and is often referred to by archaeologists as “Machu Picchu of the North” and the “Jewel of La Libertad”

Marcahuamachuco marks the site of Pre-Incan ruins and is often referred to by archaeologists as “Machu Picchu of the North” and the “Jewel of La Libertad.” Set atop the nexus of three mountain valleys at over 10,000 feet (3,200 meters), the site towers over the land and rivers below. Celebrated for its massive castillos (castles) and unique circular, double-walled archaeological structures that predate the imperial expansion of the Incas and the Huari

Marcahuamachuco was constructed between 400-800 AD and became northern Peru’s most important political, economic and military center. Over many centuries, it has been damaged by natural factors and a lack of surveillance, but it remains one of the country’s most important archaeological sites.

Much of Marcahuamachuco's history still remains a mystery - with the engagement of archaeologists, historians and the local community, the project will shed light on this important Peruvian treasure. Like so many of the country’s top heritage sites, it has suffered in the shadow of Machu Picchu for too long.

Source: archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com...

Built on top of a isolated highland 5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide mesa with a vast view of its surroundings, Marcahuamachuco contain several major compounds surrounded by curved stone walls as high as 12 meters high, with inner galleries, rooms and plazas which suggest administrative and ceremonial functions. During the later Middle (700 - 900 A.D.) followed into the Intermediate Late Horizon (until around 1,200 A.D.) archaeological evidence suggests that the walls were used for human burials contributing to the ceremonial functions of the site. Marcahuamachuco probably functioned as an oracle which attracted people from all the northern Andes of areas that today comprise Peru and Ecuador. Cult was probably related to deities, an old cult to Ataujo, and a more recent cult to Catequil. Marcahuamachuco became a prominent center at the same time that the Wari in southern Peru culture flourished (400 – 1100 A.D.). Abandonment of Marcahuamachuco was possibly in the XV century.

Source: en.wikipedia.org...

Some vids of the area from Youtube:
(long 11mins-But good)



Well now-how beautiful is that!!!?. My interest continues to grow for this whole region. I think they are just starting to at the tip of the iceberg-so to speak.

Pre-Inca/Mayan. Now, that is interesting. And, they don't know much about it yet. Fascinating.

What boggles my mind is that this regions inhabintants seem to feel the need to be up high-REAL HIGH UP! Why? The time, resources and materials just make it seem a more difficult life than they needed to be/do. Unless something was so dangerous, fearful, or different that they needed to be up high. Like maybe the lower area were flooded from the Guld being hit by a astroid etc?

Maybe "that high up" wasn't that high up back then? These stories always make me smile.... the wife and I plan on go to the area for an extended time after we retire.

reply to post by anon72


thank you, always facinating, the civilizations of ancient Peru.

this was built while the vikings and normans were destroying western civilization.

maybe, the peruvians were also building forteresses to protect their families from barbaric criminals.

Great post S & F. Haven't heard of this location.

"What boggles my mind is that this regions inhabintants seem to feel the need to be up high-REAL HIGH UP! Why? The time, resources and materials just make it seem a more difficult life than they needed to be/do. Unless something was so dangerous, fearful, or different that they needed to be up high. Like maybe the lower area were flooded from the Guld being hit by a astroid etc? "

So high up. That was my first thought as well.

Also, such large fortress like walls. Obviously the need for protection. But protection from what? Animals, other humans?

You're right, it is mind boggling.

reply to post by Julie Washington

Also, such large fortress like walls. Obviously the need for protection. But protection from what? Animals, other humans?

I concur. It seems the walls were excessive-that high from any ground forces. Heck, most enemies would be tired by the time they got there.

I am trying to find out more from the INCA point of view as I see they are thought to be the ones who eventually concurred them.

Originally posted by anon72
reply to post by Julie Washington

 

Also, such large fortress like walls. Obviously the need for protection. But protection from what? Animals, other humans?

I concur. It seems the walls were excessive-that high from any ground forces. Heck, most enemies would be tired by the time they got there. Ladders, rope and grappling hook were known technologies.

I am trying to find out more from the INCA point of view as I see they are thought to be the ones who eventually concurred them.

Not if your enemy were your own people, regime change there was rather dangerous. The builders came from a region that was high up - it was home

More information on the people and the region

Link to studies on the people and region

reply to post by Hanslune


Hmmm, hadn't thought of it like that. Good and interesting point.

Thank you for the link.

Were are all the Mayan, Inca, Peruian lovers?

This is a hot deal... it appears.

And, never heard on on ATS before? Hmmm.