Karate black belt at age 15 or 16.
The alleged LHL slapping Dhanabalan appears to be unrelated to LWL apparent dating an Indian gentleman.
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Yang with Ling at Machu Picchu, Peru
Very sad indeed.
Had she not mentor Lee's daughter
things might turn out differently ...
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Machu Picchu , Peru :
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Machu Picchu is an iconic archaeological site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, renowned for its stunning beauty and historical significance. It was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and remains one of the most significant legacies of that civilization. Here’s a detailed look into its history, construction, and why it's referred to as a “complex city”:
1. History of Machu Picchu
Built during the reign of Pachacuti (1438–1472): Machu Picchu was constructed during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who is credited with transforming the Inca Empire from a modest kingdom to a vast empire. Around 1450, Pachacuti ordered the construction of Machu Picchu as a royal estate, possibly as a retreat for the emperor and his elite. The exact reasons for its construction are still debated.
Strategic Location: Machu Picchu was built high in the Andes, at an altitude of 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), overlooking the Urubamba River. Its location was strategically chosen for both its natural beauty and its defensibility. The site was hidden in the mountains, making it difficult to reach, thus serving as a refuge or sacred space, away from the main centers of the empire.
Abandonment and Rediscovery: Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Incas in the late 16th century, around the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. However, the Spanish conquerors never discovered it, and the site remained hidden for centuries. It was largely unknown to the outside world until Hiram Bingham, an American historian and explorer, rediscovered it in 1911. The local indigenous people knew of its existence, but it was not recognized internationally until then.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
2. How Machu Picchu Was Built
Inca Engineering Prowess: The construction of Machu Picchu demonstrates the exceptional engineering skills of the Incas. They used a method known as ashlar masonry, in which stones were precisely cut to fit together without mortar. The stones fit so tightly that even a knife blade cannot slip between them. This technique helped the structures withstand earthquakes, which are common in the region.
Terracing System: The site is built on steep mountain slopes, and the Incas created an extensive system of terraces to stabilize the land and prevent erosion. These terraces also served agricultural purposes, providing flat areas for farming, which helped feed the inhabitants.
Drainage System: Machu Picchu has an advanced drainage system, essential in such a rain-prone area. Water management was critical to prevent landslides, and the Incas built channels and aqueducts to guide water away from the structures. The city also had an intricate system for distributing water to various parts, including fountains and baths.
Stone Quarries on Site: The stones used to construct Machu Picchu were sourced from local quarries. The Incas used simple tools like wooden or stone hammers, as they did not have iron tools. Despite this, they managed to create extremely precise stone structures. Some theories suggest that they also used levers and ropes to move the large stones into place.
3. Why Machu Picchu Is Called a "Complex City"
Machu Picchu is referred to as a “complex city” due to its sophisticated layout, diverse functions, and architectural ingenuity:
Urban and Agricultural Zones: The city is divided into urban and agricultural sectors. The agricultural sector consists of terraces that provided food for the population, while the urban sector includes residences, temples, and public buildings. This division illustrates thoughtful urban planning.
Religious and Ceremonial Centers: The city features several important ceremonial sites, such as the Intihuatana, a stone structure believed to have been used as an astronomical observatory, and the Temple of the Sun, which was aligned with the solstices. These religious structures show the spiritual significance of Machu Picchu.
Residential Areas: The city housed around 500–750 people, likely a mix of nobility, priests, and workers. There are distinct neighborhoods for different social classes, with elite dwellings made of finer stonework and commoner residences built more simply.
Complex Network of Roads and Stairways: Machu Picchu is connected by a network of roads and stairways that navigate the steep and uneven terrain. The Inca road system, or Qhapaq Ñan, linked Machu Picchu to other important sites in the empire, including Cusco, the capital.
Hydraulic Systems: Machu Picchu’s sophisticated hydraulic systems are another reason it’s considered a complex city. There are numerous fountains fed by natural springs, and a carefully designed network of canals and channels ensured that water was distributed effectively throughout the site.
4. Purpose and Mysteries of Machu Picchu
The exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a topic of debate among historians and archaeologists:
Royal Estate or Retreat: One widely accepted theory is that Machu Picchu was a royal estate or retreat for the Inca elite, particularly for Emperor Pachacuti. Its remote location suggests it may have been a refuge from the pressures of ruling, a place of relaxation, and spiritual renewal.
Religious Significance: Some theories propose that Machu Picchu had significant religious and ceremonial functions. The alignment of certain structures with astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes, suggests that the Incas may have used the site for religious rituals connected to their worship of the sun and other deities.
Trade and Administrative Center: Although it was remote, Machu Picchu could have served as an important administrative center or trade hub for surrounding regions. Its connection to the Inca road system suggests it played a role in the empire’s larger network of communication and trade.
Conclusion
Machu Picchu is not only an archaeological wonder due to its stunning location and intricate architecture but also because of the mysteries surrounding its purpose. The site showcases the ingenuity and vision of the Inca civilization, their deep connection to the natural environment, and their advanced engineering skills, making it a complex city in every sense.
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