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Machu Picchu is Older Than Expected

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Published on: August 23, 2021,

Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel high in Andes mountain. It is known for sophisticated dry stone walls that has huge blocks without use of mortar. In a study led by archaeologist Richard Burger it is several decades older than previously thought.

 

Burger and co peers used accelerator mass (AMS) which is advanced form of radio carbon dating to find the age of human remains during early 20th century. As per their findings Machu Picchu was in use from A.D 1420 to A.D 1530. It was found the site was 20 years older than accepted historical record suggests.

 

Historical sources indicate that Pachacuti seized power in 1438 A.D and conquered the lower Urubamba Valley where Machu Picchu is located. Scholar thought the size was built after 1440 or at late A.D 1450 depending on how long it took Pachacuti to subdue the region and construct the stone palace and construct the stone palace. As per AMS testing historical timeline is accurate.

 

The estimated data of Machu Picchu’s construction were based on records written by Spaniards in the period following Spanish conquest. “This is first study based on scientific evidence to provide an estimate founding Machu Picchu and length giving us a clearer picture of site’s origin and history.”

 

As per the findings Pachacuti whose reign set the Inca on its way to become pre Columbian America’s largest and most powerful empire. “The results indicate discussion of Inca empire needs revision. Modern radiocarbon method is more accurate than historical records for understanding Inca chronology,” said Burger.

 

The AMS technique can date bones and teeth. The researchers used it to analyze human samples from 26 individuals recovered from four cemeteries at Machu Picchu during excavation led by Yale Professor. The bones and teeth used in the analysis were that of people assigned to royal estate. All human remains and archeological materials from Machu Picchu has been returned to Cusco, the former capital of Inca Empire where they will be conserved.

 

 

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