24 July - Rediscovery of Machu Picchu in 1911

 

On 24 July 1911, the American explorer and historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Although the local indigenous people were aware of its existence, Bingham’s expedition brought international attention to the site. His discovery is credited with introducing the world to one of the most iconic archaeological sites.

Bingham was led to Machu Picchu by local farmers and a young boy named Pablito Alvarez. Upon reaching the site, he found extensive ruins overgrown with vegetation. The city, believed to have been built in the mid-15th century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, had largely remained hidden from the Spanish conquistadors and thus preserved much of its original structure.

Machu Picchu is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, terraced fields, and complex urban layout, including temples, plazas, and residential areas. Its rediscovery not only provided significant insights into Incan civilization but also spurred archaeological and historical interest worldwide.

Today, Machu Picchu is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors annually, symbolizing the grandeur of the Inca Empire and the mysteries of ancient civilizations. Bingham's work, published in his book "The Lost City of the Incas," continues to be a foundational reference for understanding this remarkable site.