Machu Picchu… Gezundheit
The fascinating architecture of the Incan Empire astounds me! So I am very excited to be able to see some examples of it in March.
The geometry used is fascinating: Often, doors and windows are perfectly aligned one behind another. They are not only beautiful to see, but also functional, as they are built following severe and effective rules to limit damages from earthquakes (the earthquake that hit Cusco about an half century ago, destroyed many Spanish buildings, but not Inca’s).
These rules include the inclination of the walls, the trapezoidal shape of doors, windows and walls itself, the accurate cutting of the stones, which are also joint using a precise / alternate pattern and often firmly tied internal reinforcement (as already seen in Tiahuanaco). Last but not least, the buildings are built over foundations usually one meter deep, made of sand and gravel, in order to compensate and movement.
To destroy them, spanishes often had to use the dynamite.
Amazing!