Title: Machu Picchu
Contents
Hypothesis…………………………………………………... Page 3
Written Component…………………………………………Page 4-5
Bibliography…………………………………………………Page 6
Focus Questions……………………………………………...Page 7
Sources…………………………………………………….... Page 8-18
Diary…………………………………………………………Page 19-21
Hypothesis
Initial: The legacies of the Inca society are revealed in Machu Picchu and contribute to modern
cultural heritages of farming, architecture and society structure.
Working: The empire of the Inca society revealed in the monumental landmark Machu Picchu
displayed their society’s structure, as well as their advanced architectural techniques which has
had a large impact on modern structure construction.
Final: The legacies of the Inca Empire revealed through the landmark Machu Picchu, displays
their advanced architectural and farming techniques, along with their social hierarchy structure,
and how it has indirectly/directly affected modern day society.
Essay/Written Component
Introduction
Constructed around the time of 1450 CE under the reign of Pachacuti, Machu Picchu was
believed to be an ancient resort where Sapa Incas and others of importance resided. After being
uncovered in modern day Peru in 1911, the site serves as a portal into the remote Inca civilisation
that was left behind, allowing archeologists and historians to piece together a timeline of the
ancient culture. Its legacy is not only its importance to the study and understanding of the Inca
civilisation, but also how advanced the civilisation was, including how architectural techniques
influenced construction in the modern era.
Background
The Inca civilisation was estimated to be founded between 1100 CE-1200 CE, but the lack of
written records of the society due to passing history through oral traditions makes it difficult to
pinpoint an exact time (Cline & Takács, 2007). Both these authors are professors in history and
archeology, therefore making them very reliable. The Inca Empire reign ended in 1533, due to
the Spanish arriving in 1524. Before this, they created the historical landmark known as Machu
Picchu. After the site was believed to be abandoned due to climate change it was rediscovered on
July 24th, 1911 by Professor Hiram Bingham and Sergeant Carrasco, whom both were not initial
intending on finding the ruins (Bingham 1913, Rome, 1987). Machu Picchu is believed to be
essentially an ancient retreat or refuge, which had designated quarters for the upper class and
lower classes of society, including the military (Bingham, 1913).
Body 1- Architecture
After the discovery of Machu Picchu, archeologists determined after study on the site, that the
Inca’s architecture skills were very advanced for the time period in South America, and have
directly impacted construction and architectural ideas of the modern society. The basis of the
construction of the site involved the Inca’s ability to precisely use limestone and granite blocks.
It was discovered that Inca Masons designed the walls at Machu Picchu in such a way that the
blocks were fit so tightly resulting in the mortar holding the limestone in place being completely
hidden. These walls have survived countless earthquakes and are still intact today (Somervill &
Salazar, 2009). The Inca’s precision involving architectural skills is also mentioned by Takács
and Cline, a Professor of history and an author of history and professor respectively, explaining
that “the stones were laid on top of one another and then sculpted to fit. So talented were the Inca
architects that even a leaf of paper will not fit between the stones” (Takács & Cline, 2007). The
expertise these authors have in the study of archeology and history make these sources very
reliable. Corroborating both sources adds reliability to the information given. Questionably one
of Machu Picchu’s most famous architectural designs is the Stairway of Fountains. The Inca’s
created a new way to transport rainwater from springs to the fountains, resulting in a dependable
water supply that didn’t exist until now (Smith, 2012). This design by the civilisation displayed
their advanced construction techniques and ability compared to other civilisations. The image
taken of the fountains in modern day shows the vast distance this system covered, while still
intact (Bray, 2012). Water transport systems today still use the basic ideas shown by the
Stairway of Fountains, specifically over long distances.
Body 2: Terrace Farming
The technique of terrace farming in today can be traced to the Inca Empire, revealing the impact
their farming techniques have had on modern society. As Machu Picchu resembled a town or
small city, the Incas created a sufficient and reliable food source in the form of terrace farming.
Terrace farming involves using rocks to create sheltered channels in a hillside, where they are
then filled with soil, along with vegetation seeds. This involved moving millions of stones to
form these terrace steps (Somervill & Salazar, 2009). The picture (----) provided by The Granger
Collection supports the idea behind the influence the Incas farming techniques had on modern
day society. It shows the design the Inca used for terrace farming, very closely related to the
design used in Peru today and even as far as Indonesia. Machu Picchu is currently a heritage site
and major tourist attraction, where people can hike and see the ancient city in the clouds
(Somervill & Salazar, 2009). Being accessible by tourists today, it can still be seen that the
farming techniques used by the Inca Empire have had a direct impact on those used today.
Body 3: Inca Empire Hierarchy
The hierarchy difference of belonging to the higher class in society compared to the lower
classes, was a significant factor during the reign of the Inca civilisation. Machu Picchu was built
in such a way that highlighted those of importance at the time. It was divided into two parts, one
believed to be where the peasants and soldiers resided, and the centre being the home of the
noble and civil servants (Rome, 1987). According to Lisa Hunter, journalist for the Archeology
Institute of America hypothesizes that “it was a high-altitude retreat for the elite. This view is
based on the variety and superb quality of the excavated objects that only royalty were allowed
to wear” (Hunter, 2003). The image (----) of a bronze knife pendant and dragon-shaped bottle
supports this theory, as it would appear as if only those wealthy and important enough would
own such items (Anon, 2003). Yale archaeologists have also suggested that, Machu Picchu was
virtually an ancient Inca Aspen retreat. One that resembles a modern Roman resort located in
Aspen. One could suggest this resemblance was due to possible influence by the Spanish once
they overthrew the Inca Empire, but according to Professor Hiram Bingham, “it is in a
remarkably good state of preservation, and its architecture has not become confused with
Spanish efforts to build churches and villas” (Bingham, 1913). Bingham being the rediscoverer
of Machu Picchu, a professor in archeology and having the first recorded information on the
site after it was found makes his information extremely reliable. The ruins, left uninfluenced by
other societies, highlight the legacies Machu Picchu has in terms of relation to modern day social
structure through the wealthy and important being cared for by the lower classes.
Conclusion:
Machu Picchu’s legacies have been uncovered through the study of the ruins that can be visited
today. The advanced architectural techniques that were used by the Inca Empire such as their
terrace farming and stone block construction methods, displays the impact their civilisation had
on modern era construction as many of the methods are still used today. The sites resort styled
creation, along with its social hierarchy structure and the previously mentioned points, highlight
how the legacies of Machu Picchu have relation to modern society and/or have directly
influenced it.
Bibliography
Bingham, H (1913). National Geography: In the Wonderland of Peru—Rediscovering
Machu Picchu. Retrieved from:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/1913/04/machu-picchu-peru-inca-hirambingham-discovery/
Bronze knife pendant and dragon-shaped bottle [image] (Anon, 2003). Retrieved from:
http://archive.archaeology.org/0305/reviews/inca.html
Hunter, L. (2003). Archaeology: Museum: An Inca Aspen. Volume 56.
Jesus and Lucienne Rome. (1987). Life of the Incas in Ancient Peru. Productions Life.
SA
Smith, J (2012). Archeology: Machu Picchu’s Stairway of Fountains. Archeological
Institute of America.
Somervill, B & Salazar, L (2009). Great Empires of the Past: Empire of the Incas. New
York, NY: Chelsea House.
Stairway of Fountains at Machu Picchu today (Tamara L. Bray, 2012). Retrieved from:
http://www.archaeology.org/issues/59-1301/76-sidebars/394-machu-picchu-incahydraulic-engineering
Takács, S & Cline, E (2007) The Ancient World: Civilizations of the Americas, Volume 3.
Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe
The Granger Collection, picture of Terraced farms and storehouses at Machu Picchu.
Empire of the Incas.
Focus Questions
Definitions
1) What time period is relevant to a study of Machu Picchu?
2) What is Machu Picchu?
2.1)
Why is it called this?
2.2)
Where is Machu Picchu Located?
3) What is meant by the ‘Inca Civilisation’?
3.1)
What is meant by ‘Sapa Inca’?
Sources
1) What primary sources might be both available and valuable in this study?
2) What secondary sources might be useful in this study
3) What are some problems or issues that might be associated with archaeological
sources?
Backgrounds, changes and continuities: motives and causes
1) Who are the main archaeologists who have contributed to the study of the Machu
Picchu site?
1.1)
How has the study of Machu Picchu site changed over time?
1.2)
Who discovered the site?
1.3)
What lead to the discovery of the site?
2) How has the use of Machu Picchu site changed over time?
2.1)
What was the initial use of the site by the Inca Civilisation?
2.2)
Why was the site abandoned by the Inca Civilisation?
3) What motivated the Inca civilisation to build Machu Picchu?
3.1)
How long did it take to build Machu Picchu?
3.2)
When was it built?
3.3)
How did they build the site?
3.4)
What techniques did they use that were unique?
4) What civilisation is relevant to a study of the Machu Picchu?
4.1)
Who are the Inca civilisation?
4.2)
Who resided in Machu Picchu?
4.3)
Who were those of importance at the time of the creation of Machu Picchu
among the Inca Civilisation?
Effects, interests and arguments
1) What was the influence of Macchu Picchu on future sites like its own?
2) To what extend were the techniques used to build Macchu Picchu influential?
2.1) Had other civilisations adopted the techniques used at Machu Picchu?
2.2) Are the techniques still used in the present time?
3) Why was the discovery of Machu Picchu Influential?
Reflections and responses
1) What are you learning about the significance of archaeology in historical
investigations?
2) Has this study helped your understanding of history as a discipline?
3) How has it helped your understanding?
4) What problems did you encounter in the research, and how did you respond to
them?
5) How is the use of the site different now then it was originally?
Sources
Reference: Somervill, B & Salazar, L (2009). Great Empires of the Past: Empire of the Incas.
New York, NY: Chelsea House.
Notes:
The mountaintop retreat of Machu Picchu (in Quechua the name means “old peak”) remained
hidden in the Andes for centuries, until Hiram Bingham, a Yale University professor, found the
site in 1911. in truth, the ruins were never “lost,” since local people always knew exactly where
Machu Picchu was—at the top of a 9,000-foot mountain. The site contains a remarkable city that
was once a country palace for the Sapa Inca. Hidden by mountain mists are more than 150
houses, temples, baths, storage rooms, and palaces. the site has a cemetery, facilities for
processing grain, and a plaza for festivals. One of the most remarkably beautiful features of
Macchu Picchu is the many fountains, which were created from natural springs that ripple down
rock walls or pool in sunken tubs. The stonework shows off the skills of Inca masons. Walls are
built of cut stones that are fitted so tightly that a knife will not pass between them. Some of the
individual building stones weigh more than 50 tons.
Inca building technology offers lessons many countries would find valuable today. Inca masons
(craftsmen who practiced masonry) built walls of stone in which the face of the wall is designed
to fit so tightly that the mortar (the cement that holds the stones together) is hidden. These walls
have held up over many centuries and countless earthquakes. Engineers built irrigation ditches,
canals, and aqueducts (channels for carrying water) that provided fresh water and sanitation to
cities at a time when European towns had open sewers that spread disease among the population.
Reference: The Granger Collection, picture of Terraced farms and storehouses at Machu Picchu.
Empire of the Incas.
Notes: Terraced farms and storehouses line the steep hillsides near Machu Picchu. Inca farmland
built in this way is still in use in Peru today.
Reliability: The source by Somervill is generally unbiased. It is a secondary source that simply
explains the facts and figures without siding with an idea or opinion. Barbara Somervill is the
author of many different textbook style informative sources. She has done other textbooks on
South Korea, Texas, Iceland and many more. Somervill has a history of writing textbooks about
Places and historical landmarks in the past, which is the motivation to Empire of the Incas.
Considering her passion for writing informative textbooks, her reliability is high as she has had
experience in seeking credible information.
The primary source of the picture is very reliable as it is a snapshot of Machu Picchu as it is
currently seen today. It also corroborates to other sources that describe the design and use of the
city.
Relevance:
The source has relevance to many of the definition questions about what Machu Picchu and how
it was built. Although it helps to understand the basis of Machu Picchu, it doesn’t explain the
civilisation that built it which makes it difficult to completely understand the Inca’s and their
motivation to build the temple. It provides useful information about what Machu Picchu was,
what the site was used for by the Incas, when it was discovered by archaeologists and what was
used to build the structure.
Primary source is relevant as it shows how the landmark was structurally built and what it may
have been used for.
Representativeness:
The source provides a valid, broad perspective on what Macchu Picchu is and what it was used
for when it was originally built. The author has experience in writing about historical landmarks
and civilisations which was her motive to create this source.
Reference:
Hunter, L. (2003). Archaeology: Museum: An Inca Aspen. Volume 56.
Notes:
The show features archival photographs and memorabilia of Yale professor Hiram Bingham's
Peruvian Scientific Expedition, which explored the site beginning in 1911, as well as elaborate
walk-through dioramas and interactive displays you expect in a major, well-funded exhibition.
From studying these and other objects excavated at Machu Picchu, the show's curators, Yale
archaeologists Richard L. Burger and Lucy C. Salazar, have reached some startling conclusions.
They suggest that Machu Picchu was neither a spiritual center (as Bingham surmised) nor a
refuge for the defeated Incas (another popular hypothesis) but a high-altitude retreat for the elite-a kind of Inca Aspen. This view is based mostly on the variety and superb quality of the
excavated objects, such as a tunic made of a high-quality vicuña wool that only royalty were
allowed to wear.
By dating the artifacts found at the site, the curators also conclude that, contrary to Bingham's
theory that Machu Picchu had been occupied for centuries, this city in the clouds was active for
less than a hundred years and then abandoned. Because the objects found there correspond to
artifacts from all over the Inca Empire, the city's inhabitants were likely from different ethnic
groups and spoke different languages.
Reliability:
The source can be seen as biased, as it seems to directly contradict/oppose Bingham’s source,
and therefore would try and make their view seem more reliable and believable. Although there
is no information on the author, as it is published as a journal entry, it would be assumed that the
source would have to be fairly reliable. They were writing to inform the readers, as the journal
article is for information and educational purposes.
Relevance: The source has relevance in terms of giving information on the background on
Machu Picchu. It gives a different point of view supported by evidence than Bingham’s journal
account, arguing against many of his points and even disproving some. This makes it very
relevant to the topic as this gives another perspective on the subject.
Representiveness: The source gives an alternative perspective to what the site was used for and
how long, compared to the majority of sources on the topic. It explains, with evidence, how the
site could have been used and for how long. The views are quite different to other views from
sources. The authors motivation may have come from the desire to share a perspective that has
not been covered much.
Reference: Takács, S & Cline, E (2007) The Ancient World: Civilizations of the Americas,
Volume 3. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe
Notes: Culture group that rose to power in the fifteenth century CE. in what is now Peru. At its
height, the people of the Inca empire performed remarkable feats of engineering and controlled
more than 350,000 square miles (900,000 sq km), from modern Ecuador to modern Chile. Little
is known about the early years of the Inca people. Beginning in about C.E. 1100, however, they
began to attack neighboring groups from their capital city of Cuzco. During the reign of their
Sapa Inca, or king, Pachacuti, beginning in about 1438, the Inca came to dominate a kingdom
that was about the size of the 13 American colonies and included almost the whole of the Andes
Mountains.
Inca palaces, temples, and fortresses are also remarkable for their precision and beauty.
Typically, Inca builders used huge limestone or granite blocks that they had to transport many
miles, often up steep mountains, without the use of draft animals or wheels. The stones were laid
on top of one another and then sculpted to fit. So talented were the Inca architects that even a leaf
of paper will not fit between the stones.
Reliability: The source shows no bias due to being more factual and informative, rather than
siding with an opinion. Takacs is a Professor of History Director, Modern Greek Studies
Program at the university of California while Cline is an author, historian, archaeologist
and professor of ancient history and archeology at The George Washington University. These
authors contribute to the source being extremely reliable due to their experience in historical
studies and their statuses in this field.
Representativeness: The source gives very valid information on the Inca Empire and the
process of building Machu Picchu. It shares the general information that other sources do, which
allow it to be corroborated with those sources. It also goes more in depth about the founding of
the Incan civilization than most other sources.
Relevance: The source is very relevant to the topic as it has an in depth explanation of how the
Inca society began, including who started it and when. It also then discusses how the Incas built
Macchu Picchu which can be corroborated with many other sources that discuss the same topic.
Reference: Jesus and Lucienne Rome. (1987). Life of the Incas in Ancient Peru. Productions
Life. SA
Notes: It was discovered on July 24th, 1911 by Hiram Bingham, accompanied by Sergeant
Carrasco. The two men, who had set out to find the capital where Manco, descendant of
Atahualpa, had taken refuge, little imagined what would await them. The city of Machu Picchu
was built 7,500 feet high on a ridge. It appears to be protected by two rocky peaks. Once divided
into two parts- the outskirts where peasants and soldiers lived, and the centre, home of the
nobility and civil servants.
Reliability: The source shows no bias towards opinion or ideas. There is not much information
on the two authors of the book, but considering it is a published book it is assumed that it would
need to be fairly, if not very reliable, to be published as a public book.
Representativeness: The source is providing an unbiased, general perspective. It doesn’t show a
variety of perspectives or opinions. The source doesn’t side to a certain idea or opinion. There is
also lack of information on the authors which makes it hard to find their motive towards writing
the book.
Relevance: Despite being a small section, it still has relevance towards the topic. It explains
when the site was discovered, by whom and who resided inside the resort. It has general
information that can be corroborated with many other sources, including primary, which make it
more reliable.
Reference: Bingham, H (1913). National Geography: In the Wonderland of Peru—
Rediscovering Machu Picchu
Notes: Machu Picchu is essentially a city of refuge. It is perched on a mountain top in the
most inaccessible corner of the most inaccessible section of the Urubamba River. So far as I
know, there is no part of the Andes that has been better defended by nature. Since they had no
iron or steel tools-only stone hammers-its construction must have cost many generations, if
not centuries, of effort. It seems probable that one reason why the city was deserted was a
change in climate, resulting in scarcity of water supply. At the present time there are only
three small springs on the mountainside, and in the dry season these could barely furnish
water enough for cooking and drinking purposes for 40 or 50 people. Machu Picchu not only
is larger and contains more edifices than any other ruin discovered in Peru (except Cuzco); it
has the additional advantage of not having been known to the Spaniards, of not having been
occupied by their descendants, and of not having been torn to pieces by treasure hunters
seeking within the walls for the gold and silver ornaments that were not to be found in the
floors. In other words, Machu Picchu is not only more extensive than any previously
discovered Inca city outside of Cuzco, but it is in a remarkably good state of preservation, and
its architecture has not become confused with Spanish efforts to build churches and villas.
Reliability: This source is extremely reliable. It is a primary source from Hiram Bingham’s
journal at the time of his discovery of Machu Picchu. As Bingham was the director of the first
expedition of the discovery of Machu Picchu, it is untouched from the time after the Inca’s
abandoned the temple. Being renowned in the archeological/historical field, his information is
presumed to be very reliable. Also assuming Bingham did not lie about what he saw at Machu
Picchu, the source is one of the most reliable that there currently is about the discovery.
Representativeness: The source shows a generally unbiased view on the discovery of Machu
Picchu. It offers the general perspective as other reliable sources, mainly because as this was
the first recorded discovery of the site in modern times, other sources information is based on
this discovery. Bingham was not originally looking to find Machu study the site more and its
history, therefore this was his motive towards writing this journal entry as it was the first
recorded discovery of the site.
Relevance: The source is very relevant to the thesis. As it is primary it is therefore very
relevant. This makes the number of focus questions it answers much more reliable in terms of
information. The one downside of the source is that as this was the first discovery and the
information was based on solely what was seen, there was lack of study of in depth detail on
the site. It was based mainly on what was seen at Machu Picchu.
Reference:
Somervill, B & Salazar, L (2009). Great Empires of the Past: Empire of the Incas. New York,
NY: Chelsea House.
Notes: The word Inca refers to a single person, a social class, and a civilization. Inca is a
Quechua word that means “leader” or “chief.” The empire’s supreme leader, a kind of king or
emperor, had the title Inca or Sapa Inca (unique leader or chief). Today, people often refer to all
citizens living under the rule of the Incas as “Incas”; they were not. They were conquered
cultures and civilizations that became part of the Inca Empire. The empire began in Cuzco. This
village was founded by Manco Capac, the first Sapa Inca, and settled by his followers. Pachacuti
(cusi Yupanqui), ruling from 1438-1471, was one of the most influential rulers at the time due to
building up the civilisations military strength, expanding the empire. The Spanish arrived in
1524. Because they loved to write about everything they saw and did, they were the ones who
provided the first written records of Inca life. But before that, from 1200 to about 1525, we have
a blend of fact and fiction, legends and daring deeds, mixed with cultural pride. Historians have
been frustrated, because there is simply no way to separate stories of greatness from actual feats
of greatness.
Today, Machu Picchu is a United Nations World heritage site and a major tourist attraction for
people who are willing to hike along the top of the Andes mountains. thousands of people have
flocked to see the ancient city in the clouds. Unfortunately, their arrival has set off a major
disagreement. conservationist and cultural preservation organizations want to control the tourist
traffic, now reaching at least 400,000 people a year.
Reliability: The source by Somervill and Salazar is generally unbiased. It is another secondary
source that gives a wide variety of information, which is trusted, on definitions relating to the
Inca Empire, whilst also on the uprising of the empire. Somervill has had experience on writing
journals, articles, published books on archeology and history, therefore the information presented
by her is thought to be very reliable. Her motive for writing the source is explained previously,
that she has a passion towards writing about historical events/sites, which may have been the
reason for creating this source.
Representativeness: The view provided in this source is focused mainly on the beginning of the
Inca Empire, involving their journey to power and collapse. It also shortly explains what Machu
Picchu is used for today. It is a general, unbiased perspective as its goal is to simply to inform
readers about general information on the topic. This source differs from others due to the
explanation for why the Inca Empire is very hard to study, to pinpoint exact time periods where
sites were built and events occurred. Other sources fail to cover this aspect, simply providing an
estimated time period.
Relevance: The above source provides very relevant information on the topic that is being
covered. Answering many definition questions, background questions and lightly touching the
the use of Machu Picchu today, it is a very helpful addition towards analysing the site. While still
providing information on the use of Machu Picchu today, the lack of depth in the information
may make it difficult to fully understand that perspective, compared to the information given for
the definitions and background focused on the early stages of the Inca Empire.
Reference:
Smith, J (2012). Archeology: Machu Picchu’s Stairway of Fountains. Archeological Institute of
America.
Notes:
One of the most spectacular examples of Inca hydraulic engineering is the "Stairway of
Fountains," built sometime after 1450 at the city of Machu Picchu. The fountains supplied the
city's inhabitants with clean, fresh water. The first challenge the Inca faced was how to bring
water from a pair of rain-fed springs almost half a mile away from the first fountain. At the main
spring, Inca engineers built a 48-foot long permeable wall that concentrated the seeping water
into a stone-lined canal. The canal also collected water from a second, smaller spring. Water
flowed to the city through the canal. The result was a controlled, dependable public water supply
that protected the hillside architecture from erosion. "Nothing like it exists," says hydraulic
engineer Charles Ortloff, "in an urban setting at other royal residence sites or at other Inca
settlements."
Reliability: Julian Smith is a nonfiction journalist, editor and photographer specializing in
science, conservation, travel and adventure. He is a contributing editor at Archaeology magazine.
Considering his field of study and the number of articles and books he has had published, the
reliability of this article is very reliable. The article is unbiased, writing to inform readers on
general information relating to the Incas engineering.
Relevance: The source is relevant to the topic as it supports the thesis. It discusses how the Inca
engineering was ahead of its time and suggests that its engineering was the first sign of
significance influence into how construction is today. It also answers many of the effect focus
questions.
Representativeness: The source provides an overall perspective on the Inca’s ‘Stairway of
Fountains’. It shows no biasness. It is one of the few sources found that goes in depth on the
fountain creation, its use and how advanced it was compared to what other civilisations had
created at the time. The author has a background in the field of archeology, but had yet to touch
the subject of Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire. This may have been his motive towards
creating the source.
Reference: Bronze knife pendant and dragon-shaped bottle [image] (Anon, 2003). Retrieved
from: http://archive.archaeology.org/0305/reviews/inca.html
Notes:
Reliability: This picture of the two artifacts is very reliable. The artifacts are stored in the Yale
Peabody Museum's "Machu Picchu, which makes it reliable. Due to them being genuine artifects
from Machu Picchu, they are a primary source which is also extremely reliable.
Relevance: The source has the possibility to be relevant to the questions. Even though it doesn’t
directly relate to the questions, it indirectly suggests ideas about the social classes that resided in
Machu Picchu and such. It helps to understand what artifects may have been made of, but not
how they were built etc. It generally does not give much information.
Representativeness: The source provides a very limited perspective to the topic. As it is simply
a picture of an artifact from Machu Picchu, there is limited focus questions it can directly relate
to. Its main advantage is what it may indirectly suggest, and ability to corroborate with other
sources, primary or secondary, to support their reliability. The lack of primary sources that can
be used on the subject of Machu Picchu allows the limited perspective it provides on the subject
to be still somewhat useful.
Reference: Stairway of Fountains at Machu Picchu today (Tamara L. Bray, 2012). Retrieved
from: http://www.archaeology.org/issues/59-1301/76-sidebars/394-machu-picchu-inca-hydraulicengineering
Notes:
Reliability: The picture shows no bias, which is to be expected as it is simply a picture from
modern time of Machu Picchu’s renowned Stairway of Fountains. Despite the photographer
being virtually irrelevant in terms of the topic, the fact that it is a primary source of the fountains
gives it much more reliability than a majority of secondary sources.
Relevance: The source is definitely relevant to the topic. It gives an understanding on how the
architecture by the Inca Society is known to be ahead of its time. It indirectly suggests that the
construction techniques have allowed the fountains to stay intact hundreds of years after the
abandonment of the landmark. The source also has the capability to be corroborated with many
sources involving Inca architecture, which provides it with the luxury of being an extremely
relevant source to the subject.
Representativeness: The source alone provides a limited perspective on the Inca architectural
capability, but the ability it has in terms of potential corroboration allows its perspective to be
widened. It provides different perspectives than other sources as it gives a visual perspective of
the Stairway of Fountains, compared to sources that simply explain the architecture. This leads to
a highly advantageous corroboration potential that this source has with other secondary sources
providing information only, with no visual component.
Reference: Somervill, B & Salazar, L (2009). Great Empires of the Past: Empire of the Incas.
New York, NY: Chelsea House.
The population needed more food, and it was the Inca ruler’s responsibility to make sure they got
it. Sinchi Roca had two ideas about how to make more farmland. The first was to build
agricultural terraces along the sides of the mountains. The Inca used rocks to create terrace steps
along the hillsides, and then filled these steps with soil. Humans and llamas carried millions of
stones to form the terrace steps. Filling the terraces required thousands of baskets of soil, which
then needed to be raked, planted, weeded, and watered.
Reliability: The source is very much like the other sources by Somervill that have been
analysed. The above source shows an unbiased perspective of the terrace farming used by the
Inca Empire. The authors are credible on the topic as they are both well known for their
historical and archeological writings and study backgrounds. Creating many different
informative journals, articles and short books, their reliability is fairly high.
Relevance: The source is relevant to the topic due to its in depth analysis of the terrace farms;
the construction process and how/what they were used for. It is the only source found that has
this in depth information on the terrace farms used by the Inca Empire, which makes it a very
relevant and helpful source.
Representativeness: The source provides a wide and in depth perspective on how the Inca
Empire built and used the terrace farming technique that they invented. It can be corroborated
with the primary source image of the terrace farms at Machu Picchu today. Although it focuses
only on terrace farming, it is a very limited source that can only answer very specific questions.
Diary
20.04.2017
Today, I narrowed down the focus of my research assignment to Macchu Picchu. I chose this
because I wanted to move away from anything to do with Greek and Rome and wanted to do
something I didn’t know too much about. I have studied Greek and Rome in the past but I have
never touched on South American Culture and monument buildings
21.04.2017
Today I found multiple sources that are useful to finding information on the Machu Picchu Site,
and the civilisation that used/created the site. I had not begun to create notes as I was adapting
some of the focus questions and creating multiple sub questions that I could use as a basis to
what information I need to find in the sources.
27.04.2017
Today, I edited my focus questions so they would be more relative to the sources I had. Also
added a few more focus questions. Started to look for sources and found one that explains most
things about who the Incas were and the discovery of Machu Picchu.
28.04.2017
Today, I finished analysing my first source that I found, explaining the 3 R’s, relevance,
reliability and Representiveness. I then found a primary source, which was a photograph
showing some of the structural design of the steps at Machu Picchu
02.05.2017
Today, I continued finding new sources, one specifically focusing on what the Inca’s used Machu
Picchu for. I have found many sources on specifically the landmark, but I am concerned as I have
not found many primary sources/sources focusing on the relevance of the structure today, and
how it has influenced other cultures.
0.5.05.2017
Today, I found an extremely useful source by National Geographic that is a primary source to
Hiram Bingham’s first discovery of Machu Picchu. The primary source answered many
questions and widened my understanding of the topic. It was a very nice addition as I have not
found many primary sources that are very relevant to my topic.
09.05.2017
Based on the knowledge that I now have; I have been able to create an in work hypothesis. I have
gathered enough sources to where I feel am confident with the information I have and complete
most, if not all of the focus questions created.
11.05.2017
Today I found what I believe to be my last necessary source to be able to begin drafting my
written element. I have enough primary sources to where it meets the criteria. The primary
sources are also all in a position to be corroborated with other sources, which can increase the
reliability of the others. I still need to do comment bubbles but with the study plan I have made
for the subject, hopefully falling behind won’t happen as there is still much work to do.
14.05.2017
Today, I finished finding what sources I need. I believe I will need more or replace some after
drafting stages but for the moment, they will suffice. I also finished my 3 R work for each
source. I have found out the general reliability of most sources, and that some are very reliable in
terms of their authors. I also completed the comment bubbles, finding out that multiple of the
sources answer many of the relevant questions, along with the sub questions that are also needed.
There are a few sub questions and one or so main questions that are still unanswered, but I will
be able to edit them to the point where they will still have a source that answers them in a
slightly different manner. Either this or wait until drafting stage is completed and replace
irrelevant sources with ones that can answer these questions.
16.05.2017
I completed my drafted intro which will be finalised later on, as it is just a base. I have then
started on my background which I will need to reference, but explains the beginning of the Inca
reign. I will need to go over the empire as a whole and those of importance that resided at Machu
Picchu, when it was built etc. I have also done a base layout of what my body paragraphs will be
focused on.
19.05.2017
Today I finished drafting my background and 1st paragraph involving the Inca architecture. I
was able to use many of the sources that I found earlier on in my drafting stages. While using
many of these sources, it also made me realise that I need to replace some sources with much
more potentially relevant sources. I may have too many sources to do with the Inca architecture
as I have used the most relevant sources which makes for good information, but I still have other
less informative sources that I could use.
23.05.2017
Today I finished my 2nd body paragraph revolving around terrace farming during the Inca
Empire, and how it has influenced farming today. I found more sources to finish off my first
paragraph and also some that would answer some of the more relevant questions towards terrace
farming as I had limited sources on the topic. While doing this paragraph, it gave me much more
of an insight in how the Inca Empire actually had a direct impact on modern day society in ways
that weren’t just architectural techniques.
24.05.2017
Today I completed my 3rd body paragraph which was in my opinion, one of the harder ones to
complete. Despite having sufficient sources for the topic, I found it hard to arrange this
information in a way in sounded formal, correct and completely relevant to the topic. While
finally finishing the paragraph, I feel as if it is lack luster compared to my first and second
paragraphs which I will need to fix when I go back and edit before finals.
26.05.2017
Today I didn’t quite like how my 2nd and 3rd body paragraphs were worded and how the
information was put forward, so I went back a rewrote some of it. I am aware that my 1st
paragraph is much better than my others which I will attend to once I get the feedback for my
draft back. I also decided that I would be doing a brochure for my multi model. I will need to
make my written component more succinct if I want it to fit in my brochure.
29.05.2017
Today I started writing my conclusion as I felt it was more important to focus on the 2nd and 3rd
body paragraphs before I attended to the conclusion. The conclusion is still not finished as I was
struggling to think of ways to word what I was trying to say, but that will be attended to at a later
date as I believe the rest of the assignment is much more important to attend to.
01.06.17
Today we got back our drafts that, mine specifically, had a large amount of helpful feedback in
which I can now complete most of my booklet and written component if I use the time wisely. I
found out that I need to elaborate more on my comment bubbles and, as I predicted, my 2nd and
3rd body paragraphs are well below par. Despite this, I found out that my 3R work was in fact
somewhat good which allows me more freedom as I don’t need to focus on editing that much,
and can focus more on my written component.
02.06.17
Today I spent much of my time using my draft feedback to edit my final copy. I’m leaving my
written component till last as I feel that if I edit the rest of my booklet, I can transfer some of that
edited information to what I have done not as efficiently in my written component. I started
editing my 3R work (what little I have) and completing the 3R work from my two new sources
that I added after I had completed the draft to my essay.
04.06.17
Today I almost finished editing my entire final. I redone my comment bubbles to a point where I
believe they are very sufficient, I completed every piece of 3R work and I also began editing my
written component, specifically my intro, background and first body. Some of the 2nd body has
been edited but I will be spending more time on that in the upcoming days.
05.06.17
Today I have, what I believe to be, completely finished the editing process of my final. I now
need to focus on arranging the written component into brochure form. I have done some serious
editing to my 3rd body paragraph in the written component, where I now believe it is at a much
higher level than it previously was.
06.06.17
Today, I have completely finished my final booklet and my Brochure. All feedback has been
noted and used, along with other additions that I found and edited myself.