One of the
most impressive pre-Columbian ruins in Peru is Sacsayhuaman (SACK-say-wuh-MON).
This massive structure overlooks Cusco from the north and, according to some
sources, is the largest megalithic project ever completed in the western hemisphere.
Many historians believe it was built as an Inca fortress or ceremonial center, but
its size and grandeur have stimulated other, less orthodox explanations, as
well. Something everyone can agree upon is that Sacsayhuaman has astounded
generations of visitors since the conquistadors
arrived 500 years ago. Today, it is a must-see for any visitor to Cusco who is interested
in history, architecture, and ancient mysteries.
Supposing
Sacsayhuaman was designed as a fortress, its builders could hardly have chosen
a more strategic location. Situated 1000 feet above Cusco – and more than two
miles above sea level – Sacsayhuaman would have been a challenging objective
for attacking forces. On its three sides are steep slopes covered in thick
vegetation. Breathing hard from my 30-minute climb to the site, I
couldn’t help thinking these factors would work to the advantage of anyone
defending the stronghold. Moreover, its summit offers a commanding view of the
valley. When I reached its top, looking down at the Cusco, I could clearly make
out the Plaza de Armas at the city’s
center, as well as mountaintops many miles away.
(Above) The path to Sacsayhuaman from Cusco (looking south).
(Below) View of Cusco from top of Sacsayhuaman (looking south).
But was
Sacsayhuaman really built as a fortress? Archaeologists continue to debate this
question. The only known military conflict there was fought between the conquistadors and Manco Inca’s insurgent
forces. In 1536, just a few years after the Spaniards arrived in Cusco, they
found themselves surrounded by the rebellious leader and his army of 200,000 indigenous
warriors. In an attempt to break the siege, Juan Pizarro (Francisco’s brother)
led a band of 50 horsemen against the Inca contingent stationed at Sacsayhuaman.
After several assaults, the Spaniards were successful. Juan was fatally wounded
during the clash, but the victory proved a turning point in the siege and,
ultimately, the fate of Peru.
Notwithstanding
its strategic role during the 1536 conflict, Sacsayhuaman may have been built and
primarily used as a ceremonial center. Construction is thought to have begun as
early as 900 A.D., possibly at the direction of the Killke culture. The bulk of
the project, however, may have been accomplished by the ninth Sapa Inca, Pachacutec
(“he who overturns space and time”) during his mid-1400s reign. Pachacutec must
have been an extraordinary visionary and administrator, for he is also credited
with building Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, the Coricancha (Cusco’s “Temple of
the Sun”), and many other large-scale Inca constructions. According to legend,
he rebuilt Cusco in the shape of a puma, and placed Sacsayhuaman at its head (perhaps
the zig-zagging terraced walls form its teeth).
(Above) Sacsayhuaman's zig-zagging (crenelated) walls.
Archaeologists
have divided Sacsayhuaman into three sectors. Along the north is a large
circular structure that resembles a gladiatorial arena and contains a monolithic
carving known as the “Throne of the Inca.” This entire area may have served as
a ceremonial center, and perhaps a shrine along an Inca ceque line. Early chroniclers referred to this site as the “Royal
House of the Sun.” Just below this hill stretches a wide grassy plaza, which possibly
hosted battle reenactments. To the southwest, overlooking Cusco, lies the third
sector – formed of three terraces of zig-zagging walls. In 1536, a large
structure stood atop these walls, which may have included two or three large towers. Today,
only the foundations of circular and radial stone walls remain; however, according
to the conquistadors, the stronghold was
once large enough to house 5000 men.
(Above) The plaza of Sacsayhuaman (looking south), perhaps usedby the Inca for ceremonial battle reenactments.
(Below) Ruins of the structure that once sat atop the zig-zagging walls. Two large towers may have stood here.
The question of how Sacsayhuaman was built remains a mystery. The Inca are not believed to have used the wheel. Nor did they possess large work animals (such as the horse or ox) or iron tools. Therefore, archaeologists assume that huge numbers of workers were employed (as many as 20,000 per day, working continuously for 20 years). After mining the Yucay limestone (from quarries as far as 20 miles away), the large stones may have been rolled over logs or dragged atop sledges. Once onsite, the stones could have been pounded into shape using bronze or quartzite hammers. Finally, they would have been muscled up dirt ramps and set in place using ropes and wooden levers. Several indentions and protrusions can be seen in the stones; they may have aided the construction process.
Whatever
method was employed, the final product is remarkable in its size, beauty, intricacy,
and durability. Many of the boulders that form the terraced walls are estimated
to weigh as much as 300 tons (600,000 pounds), yet they are assembled with the
precision of a jigsaw puzzle. Some have been cut into as many as 36 sides. As
with other pre-Columbian structures found in Cusco (and throughout the Inca
empire), the stonework of Sacsayhuaman features a beautiful polygonal style of
masonry that has been attributed to the Incas; however, some archaeologists
theorize it may have been influenced by earlier civilizations, and created by workers
imported from Lake Titicaca. The stones fit together so tightly (and without
mortar) that not even a knife can be inserted into their joints. According to
some claims, the walls “dance” (rather than crumble) during earthquakes.
(Above and below) The polygonal style of megalithic masonry features huge
limestone blocks assembled with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle.
(Above) The largest stones at Sacsayhuaman have been estimated to weigh as much as 300 tons (600,000 pounds).
Outside
the academic community are many “nonconformist” archaeologists who advance various
unconventional ideas about how and why Sacsayhuaman was built. According to
them, the fortress may have been constructed by pre-Inca societies, visitors
from overseas, giants, or even aliens. These skeptics of conventional theories point
to the size of the stones at Sacsayhuaman, their precise methods of precision,
and the stone-age technology known to the Incas – and insist that such a
project would have been impossible in the 1400s. They also mention the underground
tunnels that were described by early chroniclers, and which have only recently been
rediscovered by archaeologists – what were these used for? Moreover, in the
caves northeast of Sacsayhuaman, there are many other strange features that
have yet to be explained (such as lines, carvings, passageways, “hieroglyphics,”
what looks like “softened” or “melted”limestone, and evidence of cataclysmic disruptions). Though
scoffed at by professional archaeologists, these unconventional theories pose intriguing
questions that have yet to be convincingly answered.
How did a
society with stone-age technology build the largest megalithic structure in the
western hemisphere? How did they finish it in less than 100 years – and, most intriguingly,
what purpose did the site serve? Like much
of Peru’s pre-Columbian history, Sacsayhuaman remains a mystery for future
archeologists to unravel.
Till next time, don't stop exploring!
Andrew C. Katen
© 2018 Andrew C. Katen. All rights reserved. Feel free to
republish so long as credit is given.
No comments:
Post a Comment