Marcahuamachuco marks the site of Pre-Incan ruins and is often referred to by archaeologists as “Machu Picchu of the North” and the
“Jewel of La Libertad”
Marcahuamachuco marks the site of Pre-Incan ruins and is often referred to by archaeologists as “Machu Picchu of the North” and the
“Jewel of La Libertad.” Set atop the nexus of three mountain valleys at over 10,000 feet (3,200 meters), the site towers over the land and rivers
below. Celebrated for its massive castillos (castles) and unique circular, double-walled archaeological structures that predate the imperial expansion
of the Incas and the Huari
Marcahuamachuco was constructed between 400-800 AD and became northern Peru’s most important political,
economic and military center. Over many centuries, it has been damaged by natural factors and a lack of surveillance, but it remains one of the
country’s most important archaeological sites.
Much of Marcahuamachuco's history still remains a mystery - with the engagement of
archaeologists, historians and the local community, the project will shed light on this important Peruvian treasure. Like so many of the country’s
top heritage sites, it has suffered in the shadow of Machu Picchu for too long.
Source:
archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com...
Built on top of a isolated highland 5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide mesa with a vast view of its surroundings, Marcahuamachuco contain
several major compounds surrounded by curved stone walls as high as 12 meters high, with inner galleries, rooms and plazas which suggest
administrative and ceremonial functions. During the later Middle (700 - 900 A.D.) followed into the Intermediate Late Horizon (until around 1,200
A.D.) archaeological evidence suggests that the walls were used for human burials contributing to the ceremonial functions of the site.
Marcahuamachuco probably functioned as an oracle which attracted people from all the northern Andes of areas that today comprise Peru and Ecuador.
Cult was probably related to deities, an old cult to Ataujo, and a more recent cult to Catequil. Marcahuamachuco became a prominent center at the same
time that the Wari in southern Peru culture flourished (400 – 1100 A.D.). Abandonment of Marcahuamachuco was possibly in the XV century.
Source:
en.wikipedia.org...
Some vids of the area from Youtube:
(long 11mins-But good)
Well now-how beautiful is that!!!?. My interest continues to grow for this whole region. I think they are just starting to at the tip of the
iceberg-so to speak.
Pre-Inca/Mayan. Now, that is interesting. And, they don't know much about it yet. Fascinating.
What boggles my mind is that this regions inhabintants seem to feel the need to be up high-REAL HIGH UP! Why? The time, resources and materials just
make it seem a more difficult life than they needed to be/do. Unless something was so dangerous, fearful, or different that they needed to be up
high. Like maybe the lower area were flooded from the Guld being hit by a astroid etc?
Maybe "that high up" wasn't that high up back then? These stories always make me smile.... the wife and I plan on go to the area for an extended time
after we retire.
edit on 11/7/2011 by anon72 because: (no reason given)