Machu Picchu: Unveiling the Mystery of the Incas

by Richard L. Burger (Editor), Lucy C. Salazar (Editor)

Details the status of contemporary research on Incan civilization, and addresses mysteries of the founding and abandonment of Machu Picchu, charting its archaeological history from 1911 to the present.

Genres: History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable series of articles about the archaeology of Machu Picchu, one of the great Inca estates that was only discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham of Yale. For some reason missed by the Spanish in the 16th century, it was nonetheless abandoned, possibly even prior to then, by the Inca after the death of its owner, a great Inca king. The articles address more recent work than Bingham's and corrects some wrong assumptions made at that time with modern technology. The photos are excellent and this is a book to definitely whet the appetite for a visit.

[Lauri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview for pre-trip research.

[hh · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful collection of articles related to Machu Picchu that spans the entire last century, beginning with Bingham's account of his explorations of the site and coming all the way through to the late 90s/early 2000s to discuss political and social implications of the ruins. also includes gorgeous full color images throughout, including a catalog that accompanied a yale exhibition with some lovely pieces.