Saqsayhuaman-Pictures
Photos of an Inca Fortress
Sacsayhuamán, Saqsayhuamán, Saqsaywamán,
Sacsaywamán - like with many other places with Quechua names,
the spelling varies widely.
After all, the Inca empire did not leave a written tradition (with the
exception of the knotted "quepu"-strings).
On the other hand, the architecture of this vast empire was highly developed
and easily withstood many earthquakes.
The irregularity of the boulders used in the most important buildings
was quite intentional and the individual slabs of stone fit together
perfectly.
Looking at the strong walls situated ideally on a hill-top, it seems
self-evident that this was primarily a fortress.
However, this is by no means clear and there are also many indications
for a religious use, such as the general layout of the site and the
altar.
In any case, Inca Manco Capac sought refuge in Sacsayhuaman, but could
not successfully defend it against the Spanish cavalry.
Unfortunately, part of the complex was destroyed by the
Spanish after Manco Incas defeat and many of the stones ended up in
Cusco.
Pictures from Cuzco
There also are some
photos from Peru in my photo-log.