Machu Picchu | Inca Empire, 1438-1472

Just as the Mongol Empire was evaporating in the early 15th century, another epic civilization was on the rise in South America. At its height in 1525, the Incan Empire stretched from Ecuador and Peru in the north to Chile in the south and was the largest empire in the Americas before the period of Spanish colonial rule.

Left: Llama at Machu Picchu & Right: The site sat under Huayna Picchu mountain

Most archaeologists agree that Machu Picchu was built in the mid 15th century as an estate for the Incan emperor Pachacuti who ruled for over 30 years. The estate is set on a saddle in between the two mountains, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu in the spectacular Eastern Cordillera range of the Andes. It was abandoned upon news of the Spanish conquest to the north and wasn’t discovered again until 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.

Excuse me! Are you on Pinterest?! Here are a couple of pins! | Left: Fábio Hanashiro on Unsplash

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This post is part of an expanded series taken from 37 Wonders of the World in Chronological Order. You can click the link to read more or navigate between individual photo posts beneath the gallery.

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37 Wonders of the World in Chronological Order

For 5,000 years, the world's civilizations have pushed the boundries of creativity to levels beyond previous conpmrehension. In this guide we explore 37 of the greatest Wonders of the World