Sacsayhuaman
A massive Inca fortress near Cusco, Peru, with enormous stone walls fitted together with extraordinary precision without mortar.
Documented record
Known Facts
Sacsayhuaman is a walled complex near Cusco, Peru, built by the Inca Empire.
The walls contain stones weighing over 100 tons fitted together without mortar.
The stonework is so precise that a piece of paper cannot be inserted between stones.
The complex was built primarily under Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui in the 15th century.
Spanish conquistadors were amazed by the construction and attributed it to supernatural forces.
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Archaeological Documentation
PHYSICALExtensive documentation of the stonework and construction.
SOURCE:Peruvian Ministry of Culture / UNESCO
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
Known Inca Techniques
ANALYSISArchaeologists have documented Inca stone-working techniques that could achieve such precision.
SOURCE:Archaeological research
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
How were the massive stones cut and transported?
What tools did the Inca use for such precision?
Why was the complex built on such a massive scale?
What was the full purpose of Sacsayhuaman?
Chronological record
Timeline
Sacsayhuaman constructed under Pachacuti.
Spanish conquest; conquistadors document the site.
UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
Peruvian Ministry of Culture appear in both.
Both involve activities during the 1980s period.
Both involve activities during the 1980s period.