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The Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET) reported that an earthquake of a magnitude of at least 6.5 degrees, recorded in 1450, had caused the deformation of the walls of Machu Picchu and this prompted the Incas to use earthquake resistant architecture, revealed the institution at the Andean Agency.
This is one of the first results of the scientific research project Cusco-Pata, developed by Ingemmet to identify the telluric movements of the past and their impact on ancient civilizations.
According to historical information, Cusco large-scale earthquakes, such as those of 1650 and 1950, for example, have never been able to determine what was the geological fault that gave rise to these telluric movements, reported Andina.
The Ingemmet project focused on two active geological faults near the city of Cusco: Tambomachay and Pachatusan, which, because of their characteristics, are capable of generating large earthquakes, which undoubtedly affect the development of society.
"For the first time in history, techniques of paleoseismology, archeo-seismology and active tectonics have been combined in a study of this nature," said Carlos Benavente Escobar, project coordinator and researcher. . Cusco-Pata del Ingemmet.
Benavente added that this earthquake would have occurred in the Pachacutec era. "We believe that this earthquake occurred during the Inca period Pachacutec, which would have ordered the construction of Machu Picchubecause we see a change of method or type of architecture on this archaeological site, "he said.
The assignment or deformation is highlighted in the temple of the Sun, near Intihuatana and in all the ceremonial centers, that is to say that they appear Machu Picchu. There is a preferential slope of the walls towards a single direction.
"We see openings between rocks and stones, which is not typical of the Incas, as they had a flawless and perfect construction, some edges of the rocks are broken, which means that in the ripples of the earth [sismo] they hit each other, which caused the ruptures, "he explained.
After these deformations, Pachacútec would have built a modern architecture and laid masonry to repair the damage caused by the earthquake. "There is still a lot of research to be done," he said, pointing out that there was also an architectural change in the terraces.
"We calibrate the last 14 ages of the radiocarbon in order to define the type of failure that caused the earthquake: At present, it is suspected that it was that of Tambomachay, located four kilometers from the historic center of Cusco"He added.
Benavente said that "there is no doubt that the powerful earthquake also caused the deformation of the walls of Sacsayhuamán, Tipón, Tambomachay, the street of the twelve corners of the city of Cusco, among other areas.
According to the researchers, it is proved that this strong seismic movement influenced the determination of the Incas to change architecture, insofar as it was not always seismic, which confirms that this civilization has very well managed the territory and had a great vision. Benavente felt that no architecture or engineering reached the Incan splendor in the world, which allowed "many parts of the world to come and study them".
On the other hand, the largest expansion of the Incas was on the left bank of the Huatanay River, precisely at the location of the Tambomachay Fault. Geologists then wondered why they were still in this area despite the dangers.
After a scientific study, the answer is simpler: failure is an important water conduit. "The Incas wanted water, so they preferred to improve the structural conditions of their homes rather than moving away from the source of water supply. Tahuantinsuyo's empire has worked, "said the specialist.
To see all the details of the study, you can access this link.
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