July 24, 1911

On this day in history in 1911 an American archeologist got his first look at the ruins of Machu Picchu.

A Lost Civilization

While historians and archaeologists can't say for sure what Machu Picchu was to the Incan civilization they believe it was some kind of summer retreat for Inca leaders. The Incas were essentially wiped out when Spanish invaders arrived in the 16th century. With the loss of their civilization came the loss of Machu Picchu and for hundreds of years only peasants who lived in the region knew of its existence.

Viracocha Inca

The Incas first appeared in modern-day Peru during the 12th century. They became an expansive power in the 15th century with their 8th emperor, Viracocha Inca. He improved the civilization's military capabilities, conquered more land, and started leaving military garrisons to maintain peace in those lands. In the mid 15th century another leader, Pachacuti, improved the Inca government.

The civilization's downfall came in the 1500s when Spanish explorers arrived. They brought with them smallpox and influenza, which wiped out a large portion of the Inca population. They also killed the Inca leader and his successor, sparking a civil war for power. The Spanish put a puppet leader into 'power' who kept the last stronghold of the Empire, Vilcabamba, until 1572. In that year the Spaniards took control of Vilcabamba and the last Inca ruler was executed. With this, the Inca Empire came to an end.

Finding the 'Lost' City

American archaeologist Hiram Bingham

In the summer of 1911 American archeologist, Hiram Bingham, arrived in Peru to search for the famous 'lost' cities of the Incas. Traveling by foot and on mule, they made their way into the Urubamba Valley. It was there that a local farmer told them about ruins at the top of a mountain called Machu Picchu. On July 24 Bingham and his team climbed the mountain's ridge, led by an 11-year-old boy. There, he got his first look at the stone terraces that mark the entrance to Machu Picchu.

The site itself stretches over five miles with 3,000 steps and many different levels. Bingham wrote a best-selling book about his discovery and soon tourists amassed at the Inca trail to journey up to Machu Picchu. More than 300,000 people visit each year.