Why was Machu Picchu built? The three main theories

Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of the Incas. Ever since Hiram Bingham’s “discovery” of the site in 1911, archaeologists and historians have debated what its real purpose was. A military fortress? A secret place of worship? Or the Inca’s summer residence?

Here are the three most widely accepted theories about the citadel’s original purpose.

1. The royal estate theory (the most widely accepted)

The consensus among most researchers and archaeologists is that Machu Picchu was a retreat for rest and leisure for the Inca Pachacútec and his court.

• The evidence. The citadel is divided into well-defined sectors (residential and ceremonial), and its remote location put it out of reach for ordinary people. It worked as a “summer palace” or a self-sufficient estate.
• What it shows. The Incas didn’t build only for war, but also for leisure and for a decentralized administration.

2. The ceremonial and religious center theory

A large part of the buildings at Machu Picchu are dedicated to worship and astronomical observation.

• The evidence. The Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana (the sundial) and the orientation of windows and temples, aligned with the solstices, show its deep religious meaning.
• What it shows. It was a sacred place, where priests worshiped the gods (above all the Sun and the Pachamama) and made important sacrifices.

3. The military fortress theory (the least likely)

Although it was popular in the past, it’s the theory with the least support from recent excavations.

• The evidence. The walls and the location high on the mountain could suggest a defensive role.
• What it shows. The citadel may have housed a small garrison, but its architectural design and the large share of buildings devoted to comfort and ceremonies show that its main role was not military.

Conclusion: a mix of roles

The most likely answer is that Machu Picchu was a blend of all three: a royal estate that also worked as an important ceremonial center. This mix of roles shows the complexity and brilliance of Inca administration.