Machu Picchu

The most well-known historical landmark in Peru is Machu Picchu, which is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It was constructed on top of a mountain more than 500 years ago without the use of mortar. All indications point to it being a significant Inca city. However, nobody is really certain what it was used for.

Regarding the purpose of the place, various theories are under contention. Some claim it was simply a city, as it first looks to be. Others believed it to be a royal resort. A temple or another holy site for pilgrims are suggested by other theories. Even an archaeologist once proposed that the Incas constructed it as a way to respect the soil. Of course, there is also the belief that it was created by extraterrestrials.

About 116 square kilometers of land are covered by the site. The Incas made sure you wouldn't lose track of it, whatever it was used for. It was constructed using tons of rock that was pieced together without the use of modern technology or even wheels, like other ancient marvels.

Because Machu Picchu was never referenced by the Incas in their chronicles, there is still a great deal of mystery surrounding it. The site's archaeological remains provide scant hints as to the city's function. The city was big enough to hold hundreds more people, therefore it's puzzling that there aren't more dead around. About 200 skeletons were discovered on the scene.

In an effort to eventually clarify the objective, researchers are still looking into the location and its surroundings.