Sacsayhuamán

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Sideways view of the walls of Sacsayhuamán showing the details of the stonework and the angle of the walls.
Sideways view of the walls of Sacsayhuamán showing the details of the stonework and the angle of the walls.

Sacsayhuamán (also known as Saksaq Waman) is an Inca walled complex near the old city of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,701 m.

Some believe the walls were a form of fortification, while others believe it was only used to form the head of the Puma that Sacsayhuamán along with Cuzco form when seen from above. Like much Inca stonework, there is still mystery surrounding how they were constructed. The structure is built in such a way that a single piece of paper will not fit between many of the stones. This precision, combined with the rounded corners of the limestone blocks, the variety of their interlocking shapes, and the way the walls lean inward, is thought to have helped the ruins survive devastating earthquakes in Cuzco.

The Spanish harvested a large quantity of rock from the walls of the structure to build churches in Cuzco, which is why the walls are in perfect condition up to a certain height, and missing above that point. Sacsayhuamán is also noted for an extensive system of underground passages known as chincanas which connect the fortress to other Inca ruins within Cuzco. Several people have died after becoming lost while seeking a supposed treasure buried along the passages. This has led the city of Cuzco to block off the main entrance to the chincanas in Sacsayhuamán[1].

On March 13, 2008, archaeologists discovered the ruins of an ancient temple in the periphery of Sacsayhuaman; it is believed to have been built by the Killke culture which occupied the site between 900 and 1200 AD.[2]

[edit] Modern-day use

Today, the annual Inca festival celebrating the winter solstice and new year, Inti Raymi, is held near Sacsayhuamán on June 24th. Some Cusqueños also use the large field between the walls of the fortress early in the morning for jogging, tai chi, and other athletic activities.

Panorama of Sacsayhuamán with the city of Cusco in the background
Panorama of Sacsayhuamán with the city of Cusco in the background

[edit] References

  1. ^ Cusco's Golden Corn.
  2. ^ CNN, Pre-Inca temple uncovered in Peru. Retrieved on March 16, 2008.

[edit] External links

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Coordinates: 13°30′28″S, 71°58′56″W

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