Page 63 - All About History - Issue 28-15

MACHU PICCHU: THE CITY IN THE SKY

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Roof
Incahouseshadroofsthatwereslopedmuch Why was
like our own today, to allow for drainage,
especially useful considering the heavy it built?
rainfall that Machu Picchu experiences. They Theory: To honour the
were made of straw or grass, covering a sacred landscape
structureofsticksunderneath.
Many theories for the use of Machu Picchu
revolve around its breathtaking location.
Built on a peak surrounded by the Urubamba
river, which the Inca called ‘the sacred
river’, the site may have been chosen as
a sort of working temple devoted to
the seemingly divine surroundings,
especially as its altitude made
it closer to the sun.

Windows
When they were included
in structures at all, windows
-were incredibly small and
barely let through any light.

Religious items
As an integral part of Inca
society, religious items
including relics, items for
sacrifice and precious
statuettes were kept within
recesses in the house walls.

Hooks
Without storage
such as wardrobes or
cupboards, Inca houses
were often fitted with
hooksmadeofwoodor
bone that were used to
hang up their clothes
and other textiles.

Fire
Firewouldhavebeenatthe
centre of every Inca home.
It provided warmth for
Alackofcomfort the stone houses, and of
course was vital to cooking
There was no furniture as we
and heating water. As an
knowittodayinIncahouses. essentialelement,firewas
Familieswouldhaveslepton
worshipped by the Incas.
thefloorwithjustablanket
and pillow to give them
comfort. Similarly, they would
sitonthefloorformealtimes.

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