Did the Spanish Conquistadors Ever Discover Machu Picchu?
Explore why the Spanish conquistadors never saw Machu Picchu and how its seclusion preserved this Incan citadel for centuries.
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No, there is no historical evidence to suggest that the Spanish conquistadors ever saw Machu Picchu. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Spanish arrived in the region. It remained unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It's believed that its secluded location and the fact that the Spanish did not find it helped preserve Machu Picchu from destruction.
FAQs & Answers
- Why didn’t the Spanish conquistadors find Machu Picchu? The Spanish did not find Machu Picchu because it was abandoned before their arrival, and its remote, mountainous location kept it hidden from explorers.
- Who rediscovered Machu Picchu and when? American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, bringing international attention to the site.
- Was Machu Picchu ever inhabited during the Spanish conquest? No, Machu Picchu was abandoned by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, which helped preserve the site.