Wisdom of the ancient Incans remains attractive to present day visitors of Machu Picchu, both recreational and scientific. Since this ancient lost city was revealed 90 years ago archeologists have recently made new discoveries of this mysterious empire. Having the finest examples of ancient architecture on the planet and perched atop a cloud forest at 7,970 ft., this majestic ancient city appears to reach up to the gods. Still, many mysteries remain unsolved. Some theories even speculate that some of the sites were built for extraterrestrial landings.

A few years ago Peruvian archeologists discovered the first full Incan burial site at Machu Picchu, which is a significant find, since nothing like this had been discovered before. Now scientists can study the remains as well as the funeral objects that accompany the bodies. Studies confirmed that most of the bones were female, which suggests that the site was part of a sanctuary for elite woman in the society.

Five sectors of Incan paths and platforms adjacent to Machu Picchu citadel were also discovered in 2006 by Cuscos National Institute of Culture. The Incan Sanctuary, originally thought to have 90,000 square meters, is now confirmed to be a sprawling 136,000 square meters. There are 46,000 square meters of platforms and 8 Incan paths on the Huayna Picchu hill. The organization has plans to restore and prepare the area for excavation, which should be finished by 2009.

Machu Picchu was also recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World along with the Great Wall of China, the Petra ruins in Jordan, and the Christ the Redeemer in Brazil. The ancient Incan Sanctuary received over 100 million votes.

There is no doubt of Machu Picchus powerful cultural importance, but there are some questions as to who can claim the artifacts. If you want to see Incan relics from the late 1400s youll have to go to New Haven, Connecticut, not Peru. Yale historian Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, returned to the Ivy League school with a truckload of archeological finds. Today Peru is threatening to sue Yale, claiming that the artifacts were only put on loan, and now they want them back. The artifacts mean everything to Peruvians. To them these objects are not just interesting archeological finds but proof that even though they are poor their ancestors lived great and proud.

Even the most jaded skeptics will be mesmerized by the spiritual atmosphere, especially the sun gate that was constructed just perfectly so that the rising sun shines through the cloudy mist and revealing the temples that reach up to the sky. The Incans are proof that ancient civilizations were advanced even beyond what we know of their society. Questions about the Incans still remain and the new discoveries offer no definitive answers but raise more questions.

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About the Author

Michael Zurakhinsky is an experienced traveler and the writer for www.AllAboutPeruTravel.com - an independent resource, providing the travelers with free, online information about Peru and the wonderful highlights it contains.

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