The Construction of Machu Picchu
  • 1. The construction of Machu Picchu, an iconic symbol of Incan civilization, is a marvel of engineering and architecture that dates back to the mid-15th century, under the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet), this 'Lost City of the Inca' was built using precisely cut stones that fit together without the use of mortar, showcasing the advanced stonemasonry techniques of the Incas. The site encompasses residential areas, agricultural terraces, and religious structures, all interconnected by a network of intricate stone pathways. The construction process involved not only skilled laborers conducting the actual stonework but also engineers and architects who meticulously planned the layout to harmonize with the natural landscape. Remarkably, the Incas adapted their building methods to the mountainous terrain, incorporating features such as agricultural terraces to prevent erosion and ensure sustainability. The sophisticated water management system, including aqueducts and fountains, reflects their understanding of hydraulic engineering. Despite its grandeur and historical significance, Machu Picchu remained largely unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, which has since spurred great interest and extensive research into Inca civilization and the social, political, and religious motivations behind the construction of this breathtaking site.

    In which century was Machu Picchu built?
A) 13th century
B) 16th century
C) 14th century
D) 15th century
  • 2. Who is believed to have commissioned the construction of Machu Picchu?
A) Topa Inca
B) Pachacuti
C) Huascar
D) Huayna Capac
  • 3. What is the primary material used in the construction of Machu Picchu?
A) Brick
B) Concrete
C) Wood
D) Stone
  • 4. What is the geographic feature that Machu Picchu is located on?
A) Mountain ridge
B) Riverbank
C) Valley floor
D) Flat plain
  • 5. Machu Picchu is situated in which country?
A) Ecuador
B) Peru
C) Chile
D) Bolivia
  • 6. Which city is the closest major city to Machu Picchu?
A) Puno
B) Lima
C) Arequipa
D) Cusco
  • 7. What year was Machu Picchu rediscovered by Hiram Bingham?
A) 1901
B) 1911
C) 1935
D) 1920
  • 8. Which type of stone is predominantly used in the walls of Machu Picchu?
A) Granite
B) Marble
C) Sandstone
D) Limestone
  • 9. What form of agricultural practice was used at Machu Picchu?
A) Hydroponics
B) Slash-and-burn agriculture
C) Aquaponics
D) Terracing
  • 10. Machu Picchu is located at approximately what altitude?
A) 3,000 meters
B) 2,430 meters
C) 1,500 meters
D) 4,000 meters
  • 11. What are the famous peaks overlooking Machu Picchu?
A) Pitusiray and Sawasiray
B) Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain
C) Salkantay and Ausangate
D) Torre and Huaynaputina
  • 12. In which region of Peru is Machu Picchu located?
A) Lima Region
B) Cusco Region
C) Arequipa Region
D) Puno Region
  • 13. What structure at Machu Picchu is believed to be an astronomical observatory?
A) Temple of the Sun
B) Central Plaza
C) Sacred Plaza
D) Intihuatana stone
  • 14. Machu Picchu is protected under which designation?
A) UNESCO World Heritage Site
B) National Park
C) Cultural Landmark
D) Historical Monument
  • 15. What language did the Incas primarily speak?
A) Nahua
B) Quechua
C) Aymara
D) Spanish
  • 16. What is the term for the dry-stone construction technique used at Machu Picchu?
A) Ashlar
B) Adobe
C) Cobb
D) Rammed earth
  • 17. Machu Picchu is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since which year?
A) 1977
B) 2001
C) 1983
D) 1990
  • 18. What type of climate does Machu Picchu have?
A) Desert
B) Subtropical highland
C) Temperate
D) Tropical rainforest
  • 19. Which animal is commonly associated with the Inca civilization?
A) Horse
B) Llama
C) Elephant
D) Donkey
  • 20. What geographic feature surrounds Machu Picchu?
A) Atacama Desert
B) Andes Mountains
C) Coastal plains
D) Amazon Rainforest
  • 21. What does the name 'Machu Picchu' mean in Quechua?
A) Sacred mountain
B) Great fortress
C) New city
D) Old peak
  • 22. How many main structures are found in Machu Picchu?
A) Less than 50
B) More than 1000
C) Over 200
D) 100
  • 23. Which Spanish explorer initially drew attention to Machu Picchu?
A) Francisco Pizarro
B) Diego de Almagro
C) Hiram Bingham
D) Juan Pizarro
  • 24. What materials were used for Machu Picchu's roofs?
A) Thatched grass
B) Metal sheeting
C) Wood planks
D) Tiles
  • 25. What society is credited with the construction of Machu Picchu?
A) Cherokee
B) Aztec
C) Maya
D) Inca
  • 26. Which structure is considered the main temple at Machu Picchu?
A) Temple of the Stars
B) Temple of the Sun
C) Temple of the Earth
D) Temple of the Moon
  • 27. What natural feature is Machu Picchu near?
A) Nile River
B) Amazon River
C) Yangtze River
D) Urubamba River
  • 28. Machu Picchu is often referred to as what type of site?
A) Historical
B) Cultural
C) Archaeological
D) Industrial
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