Who Were The People Of Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu People: Who were they and why did they disappear?
Machu Picchu is well-known for its unforgettable views and series of sacred structures. However little is known about those who actually lived up here on top of this remote Andean mountain back in the ancient times.
What were they called? How did they operate as a society? These are all common questions we ask, which helps us to understand Machu Picchu on a much deeper level.
In this guide we’ll take a look at the people of Machu Picchu. This includes who they were and why they lived here, as well as what ended up happening to them.
Table of Contents
The Machu Picchu People: Who Really Were They?
Firstly we need to begin with why Machu Picchu was built in the first place. Whilst other ruins throughout the Sacred Valley served as administrative checkpoints or small towns, Machu Picchu was in fact an estate for the upper-class Incas to reside in.
Originally it was built for the Incan emperor of Pachacuti, who ruled between 1418-1471. However others who came from nobility, were seen as important or were very wealthy were also allowed to live here.
This included the Yanakunas, who were specialized artisans that were recruited to work for the Inca Empire and were deemed as very important (regardless of how far they originally came from).
What Happened To The People That Lived In Machu Picchu?
It’s still debated by scientists to this day what exactly led to the disappearance of the ancient Inca culture at Machu Picchu (and also those along the Inca Trail). However certain curious facts can help us identify a few possible outcomes.
The Machu Picchu people thrived between the mid 14th-15th Century, right up until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century who would then conquer Peru. Whilst this seems like an obvious reason for the fall of this ancient site, it’s been confirmed that Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish Empire.
Instead the people seemed to have entirely abandoned this sacred site. Whilst still not agreed as to why, the timing suggested that they either relocated deeper into the Andean mountains to avoid detection, or joined the larger Incan forces to fight against the invasion.
There are other theories as to why the people of Machu Picchu disappeared. This includes the arrival of western diseases (such as Measles and Smallpox) which would have wiped out this civilization. Others involve a lack of resources to sustain themselves, and even an immense civil war between the two brothers of Huascar and Atahualpa who fought for the throne.
Interesting Facts About The Machu Picchu People
Below we will answer some of your most curious questions to help understand who the people of Machu Picchu were, and how they served as a community.
How Many People Lived On Machu Picchu?
It was estimated that anywhere between 500-750 people lived within the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. This estimate was made from the number of skeletons found here as well as the capacity of the site – which is very small for usual Inca settlement standards.
How Tall Were The Incas Who Lived At Machu Picchu?
Overall the Inca were relatively small people (at least when comparing with different civilisations and races from around the globe), on average measuring between 4’1“ to 5’2“. Interestingly, there were no notable differences in height between the Incas in Machu Picchu compared with the Incas found throughout the rest of the Andes.
Do People Still Live At Machu Picchu To This Day?
Since becoming a World Heritage Site back in 1983, nobody has lived or can live within the site of Machu Picchu. This has helped to preserve the site’s history and pride, with the only resident exception being the local Llamas – who are free to live and roam as they please here!
Overview Of The Machu Picchu People
And that’s all for our guide on who the people of Machu Picchu were, and what happened to them.
It was in fact the most elite and royal classes of the Inca Civilisation who once resided in Machu Picchu, who would enjoy the same views that we get to see today. There are many interesting theories as to why they disappeared, however none can be confirmed as the de-facto truth – making this ancient site even more mysterious.
Be sure to take a look at our specialized Machu Picchu tours, where our professional guides will give you a thrilling private tour around this legendary Incan citadel.