The city of Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century, with construction likely beginning in the 1460s.
Machu Picchu was built by the Incas, the advanced indigenous civilization who lived in the area from ancient times until their virtual extinction at the hands of disease and Spanish conquistadors in the 17th century.
Differing theories exist regarding Machu Picchu's purpose. One posits that it was built as a defensive fort, another claims that it is a holy city and a third theory labels Machu Picchu as a royal residence.
According to archaeologists, Machu Picchu was only inhabited for about a century. It was then abandoned for unknown reasons.
Machu Picchu was unknown to the Spanish Conquistadors, who arrived after it had been abandoned. As such, it was never invaded or plundered.
Sometime after the Inca abandonment, local Peruvians called Quechuas began to use the structures in Machu Picchu as homes. In 1911, one of the Quechua locals led historian Hiram Bingham to the city.
