Machu Picchu shares the privilege with seven other major breakthroughs, such as the Rosetta Stone, China's Terra-cotta Warriors and the ancient Roman city Pompeii.
Archaeology —the U.S. channel says— is the science that studies the past of humanity through the analysis of material remains scattered around the world.
In this context, the Peruvian landmark is introduced as one of "the most relevant archaeological findings of all times."
"Machu Picchu: The ancient Andean settlement was discovered in Peru in the early 20th century (1911). Its study unraveled fundamental aspects of Inca culture," History's article reads.
The sacred Inca city dates back to the mid-15th century, and is believed to have been one of the retreats of Inca Pachacuti, who ruled Tahuantinsuyo (Inca Empire) between 1438 and 1470.
Today, Machu Picchu is deemed an architectural and engineering masterpiece. Its architectural and scenic features have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
The Inca citadel was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 as part of an entire cultural and ecological compound known as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
In 2007, it was also declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, along with the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Christ the Redeemer, the Great Wall of China, Petra and Chichén Itzá.