FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2024-137

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (July 24, 2024) – In this edition of Fun with Maps we learn a little of the story of an Incan community.

Inca Empire

American historian Hiram Bingham “discovered” the ruins of Machu Picchu on July 24, 1911.

He was certainly not the first to visit the city of stones atop the mountain, but he is credited with its discovery and was the one to organize further expeditions to clear away the jungle growth and map the area.

Since the Incas had no written language, there are no records to assist in learning about the 15th century site, but its structure leads to the belief that it was a citadel and likely a royal estate rather than a regular residence of the emperor.

It is estimated that about 750 people lived and worked there for about 80 years and then the site was abandoned.

Approximately 125 square miles make up the terraced complex community which is now a World Heritage Site and considered to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The center of the Inca Empire was Cusco on the base of the mountains leading to “Old Mountain”, which is the literal translation of subject at hand.  Cusco has ruins in some way more impressive than “Old Mountain” in our humble opinion. 

Here is Munter’s view of Cusco from 1598.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.