Machu Picchu

Pronounced Ma-ch-u Pick-ch-u. It means "Old Peak". Machu Picchu is an Inca site, which was begun in 1430 AD. The Incas abandoned it about a hundred years later, during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Ironically though there is no Spanish record stating that they ever found Machu Picchu, and therefore was never plundered and destroyed, which happened to many other Inca sites. Until 1911, when it became internationally known, it was really only the locals who were aware of it's existence.
There are many theories as to the purpose of the citadel or fortress. Some believe that it was the birthplace of the Inca of the "Virgin of the Suns". Others believe it was built as a settlement to control the economy of the conquered regions. Another theory is that it was built as a prison for those who had committed extremely terrible crimes against Inca Society.
Many archeologists are convinced it was where the Inca emperor Pachacuti dwelt. Evidence has also been given that the area was selected because it was considered sacred because of geological landmarks, such as the mountains. It is believed the mountains line up with astronomical events that would have been important to the Incas.
Another theory is that it was built as an agricultural testing site. That it was used to discover what plants could be grown there, with all the many different mini-climates caused by the location and terraces.
In 1971 about 325.92 kilometers of surrounding land was declared to be a Historical Sanctuary of Peru. In 1983 Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage Site, and in 2007 it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Anyway I am really interested in learning more about Machu Picchu and other things Inca related, but I've got to run, so I'll finish this later.