gcls_WFP_954

[photograph of Machu Picchu]

Photograph by Franklin Fisher

HIGH ON A MOUNTAIN TOP STANDS THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS, THE MAGNIFICENT BORDER CITADEL OF MACHU PICCHU

Probably built to guard the Empire from invasion by sylvan savages, the fortress-city was uncovered in 1912 by a joint expedition of the National Geographic Society and Yale University under the leadership of Hiram Bingham, later U.S. Senator from Connecticut. Since that time the lush, possessive vegetation has had to be cleared away several times. On the eminence at hte right stands the temple with its sundial (page 258), overlooking the crumbling city and its surrounding peaks, which were terraced almost to the top with vegetable gardens. Roofs are gone because they were made of thatch.

[photograph of Incan ruins]

Photograph by Marin Chambi J.

"THE SEAT OF THE INCAS" OVERLOOKS THE MASSIVE STONE WALLS OF SACSAHUAMAN

Tradition says that seated upon the rock from which this picture was taken wthe ruling Inca used to watch the building of the citadel. The rock's smooth side (lower left) forms a natural slide for modern Indian boys. The zigzag walls of the fortress enabled defenders to catch attackers in cross fire.