Peruvian Expedition of 1912

Peruvian Expedition of 1912 was led by Hiram Bingham, a Yale University professor, with the support of the National Geographic Society. The expedition aimed to explore the Inca Empire and discover the lost city of Machu Picchu, which was believed to be the last stronghold of the Inca civilization. Bingham was accompanied by Melchor Arteaga, a Peruvian guide, and Paul Fountain, an American photographer, among others. The team also included Oscar Tejada, a Peruvian engineer, who helped with the mapping of the region.

● Introduction

The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 was a significant event in the history of archaeology and exploration. It was sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society, with the goal of exploring the Andes Mountains and uncovering the secrets of the Inca Empire. The expedition was led by Hiram Bingham, who was inspired by the works of Vitcos, a Spanish historian, and Garcilaso de la Vega, a Peruvian writer. Bingham was also influenced by the discoveries of Tupac Amaru, a Peruvian leader, and Manco Inca, the last Inca emperor.

● Background

The Inca Empire was a vast and powerful empire that existed in the Andes Mountains from the 13th to the 16th century. It was founded by Sapa Inca, the first Inca emperor, and expanded under the rule of Pachacuti, a Peruvian leader. The empire was known for its advanced road network, which included the Inca Trail, and its sophisticated irrigation system. The Inca Empire was also famous for its textiles, which were made from the wool of llamas and alpacas. The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire led to the decline of the empire, and many of its cities and ruins were lost to the jungle. The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 aimed to rediscover these lost cities and uncover the secrets of the Inca Empire. The team was also interested in studying the geology of the region, which was characterized by the presence of volcanic rocks and mineral deposits.

● Expedition Details

The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 began in Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The team traveled through the Urubamba Valley and followed the Urubamba River to the foot of Machu Picchu. They then climbed the mountain and discovered the lost city, which was hidden behind a wall of cloud forest. The team spent several weeks exploring the city and documenting its architecture, artifacts, and inscriptions. They also discovered other Inca ruins, including Vitcos and Choquequirao. The team was accompanied by local guides, who helped them navigate the treacherous terrain and avoid the dangers of the jungle. The expedition was also supported by the Peruvian government, which provided them with logistical support and permits.

● Findings and Legacy

The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 was a groundbreaking discovery that shed new light on the Inca Empire and its culture. The team discovered many artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and metalwork, which are now housed in the Yale University Art Gallery and the National Museum of Anthropology, Archaeology and History of Peru. The expedition also led to a greater understanding of the Inca road network and its irrigation system. The discovery of Machu Picchu sparked a renewed interest in Inca studies and archaeology, and it has become one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. The expedition was also recognized by the Royal Geographical Society, which awarded Bingham the Founder's Medal for his discovery. The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 has also been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has designated Machu Picchu as a World Heritage Site.

● Conclusion

The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 was a significant event in the history of archaeology and exploration. It was led by Hiram Bingham, a Yale University professor, and sponsored by the National Geographic Society. The expedition discovered the lost city of Machu Picchu and shed new light on the Inca Empire and its culture. The discovery of Machu Picchu has had a lasting impact on our understanding of the Inca civilization and its legacy continues to inspire archaeologists, historians, and adventurers around the world. The Peruvian Expedition of 1912 has also been recognized by the Smithsonian Institution, which has honored Bingham with the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History award. The expedition's findings have also been published in the Journal of Archaeological Research and the National Geographic Magazine.

Category:Archaeological expeditions Category:Inca Empire Category:Peru Category:Yale University