Secrets, Mystery, Discovery
Every Kid's Imagination
What child doesn't love adventuring deep into imagination, with stories and playtime centered around a mysterious, far off land, full of secrets of the past?
Hey, not only a child's imagination, but all ages are intrigued!
While framing out our homeschool Machu Picchu lesson, and the skillful Inca civilization that built it, had me feeling like I was a child off in the land of imagination- the best part though, it wasn't just imagination, it's reality!
Gaining inspiration from the remarkable construction, location, and history of Machu Picchu made preparing our lesson as long as the Inca roads, so for our grade levels it was important that I scale it back, and pin down the facts for my young learners.
If your next learning journey leads you to explore this incredible wonder, be sure to include these core facts in your pack.
*Get the Machu Picchu/Inca Lesson Plan HERE!*
Complete with learning activities, games, worksheets, and more!
It's A Modern Wonder!
On July 7, 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Over 100 million people from all over the world gave Machu Picchu their vote, and with that, the ruins were announced as such by the New Open World Corporation.
It's True Name Isn't Machu Picchu.
Although we call this archaeological treasure Machu Picchu, it's true original first name is Huayna Picchu. While now known as Machu Picchu, or "Old Mountain" as translated, it's original name Huayna Picchu means "Young Mountain".
It's Over 600 Years Old!
Machu Picchu was built in 1450 A.D. Built by the Incas for the Emperor Pachacuti to serve as a retreat estate, allowing Pachacuti and his family a place to worship the surrounding natural resources and sun god, Inti. Machu Picchu was later abandoned 100 years later, with the Spanish conquest.
It Was A Farming Marvel!
Creating terraces with rock and trees along the hillsides allowed the Inca to have flat surfaces for farming their crops, and prevented erosion and landslides. Yet another marvel, was their elaborate system of aqueducts and canals, which allowed water to reach their crops when it didn't rain.
It Was Built Without Mortar!
Remarkably, without the use of the wheel, hundreds of men pushed the heavy rocks up the mountain. Using a technique called, caninacukpirca, stones were precision cut and fitted together, without the use of mortar to hold them together.
It's High In The Andes.
Rightly called "The City Above the Clouds", Machu Picchu is 7,972 feet above sea level. Not considered a high-altitude destination, tourists don't typically require bringing oxygen when visiting.
It Was Never Truly "Lost".
While unknown to the the world, Machu Picchu was never forgotten by the locals, making the ruins and its location not lost at all. "Discovered" by Yale University history lecturer/archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, it was a key tip from a local muleteer that gave lead to Bingham finding the ruins.
It's Still Revealing History.
Archaeologists are still discovering more about the Inca history. With discoveries of mummies, ceramics, and jewelry, more information about the life, religion, and purpose of Machu Picchu is being explained.
*Get the Machu Picchu/Inca Lesson Plan HERE!*
Complete with learning activities, games, worksheets, and more!
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