An earthquake that struck Peru back in around 1450 triggered the deformation of Machu Picchu walls and other archaeological areas in Cusco, which motivated the Incas to develop earthquake-resistant structures, National Institute of Geology, Mining and Metallurgy (Ingemmet) revealed.
This section contains information on separations between stone walls in
Machu Picchu and explains why some edges are broken, among other things.
Funded by prestigious European organizations, the research has been conducted since 2016 in order to identify earthquakes that occurred in the past and find out their impact on ancient cultures like the Inca.
The research project team includes the participation of associate researches from Europe.
Seismic cycle
According to Carlos Benavente Escobar, Cusco-Pata coordinator and researcher, the Cusco region seismic cycle —and thus the most vulnerable areas— may be established by identifying the biggest seismic events and ground shaking return periods.
This study will be a tool for planning, socio-economic development, and cultural heritage preservation.
"There is no doubt the Incas were the best territory planners. They managed to cope with diverse geological hazards such as earthquakes and landslides. They were prepared and knew the type of danger they were in. That is territory planning," he affirmed.
Cusco-Pata is focused on the study of active geological faults: Tambomachay and Pachatusan, which are located very close to Cusco city and, due to their characteristics, are capable of producing large earthquakes and affecting the development of society.
The researchers' fieldwork was conducted in Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, Tipon, Piquillacta, and Tambomachay, among other areas in Cusco.
(END) JOT/RMB/MVB