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Machu Picchu — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging history reading passage for middle schoolers explores Machu Picchu, the famous Inca archaeological site high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Students will learn about its construction, the daily life of its inhabitants, its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, and its lasting cultural and historical significance. The passage provides insight into Inca engineering, agriculture, and social organization, with references to archaeological and primary sources. Activities include a glossary, comprehension quiz, writing prompts, graphic organizers, a timeline, and a Spanish translation. This resource supports skills in reading informational texts, analyzing historical evidence, and connecting past to present. The passage and activities align with CA HSS 6.2.7 and CCSS RH.6-8.1, RH.6-8.2, and RH.6-8.4. Audio read-aloud and Spanish translation are included for accessibility.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Peru. Andes Mountains - Oroya R. R. along Rimac river gorge].
Source: Library of Congress

Machu Picchu is an ancient stone city built by the Inca civilization high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Archaeologists believe Machu Picchu was constructed in the mid-1400s, during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Located about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, Machu Picchu is often called the “Lost City of the Incas” because it remained hidden from outsiders for centuries.

The architecture of Machu Picchu is remarkable for its precision and beauty. Stoneworkers used a technique called ashlar masonry, fitting stones so tightly together that not even a blade of grass can slide between them. The city’s layout includes plazas, temples, agricultural terraces, and homes, all arranged to match the natural shape of the mountain. Archaeological evidence shows that the Incas designed Machu Picchu as a royal estate, a religious site, and possibly an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun. One key feature is the Intihuatana stone, a carved pillar believed to have been used as a solar calendar.

Daily life at Machu Picchu was shaped by the environment and Inca social structure. Workers farmed the steep terraces, growing crops such as maize and potatoes. Water was brought by a sophisticated aqueduct system that channeled mountain springs throughout the city. The nobility lived in the finest buildings, while workers and farmers lived in simpler homes. Artifacts found at the site, such as pottery and tools, reveal details about Inca diet, religion, and rituals. However, no written records from Machu Picchu itself have been discovered, so much of its history remains a mystery.

Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 16th century, likely due to the Spanish conquest and the spread of new diseases. For hundreds of years, the city was known only to locals. In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham, guided by a Peruvian farmer, brought Machu Picchu to the world’s attention. Since then, archaeologists have studied its ruins to understand Inca society and technology. In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now a symbol of Peru and indigenous heritage.

Machu Picchu helps historians understand the achievements and challenges of the Inca Empire. Its survival in a harsh mountain environment shows the ingenuity of Inca engineering and adaptation. The site also raises questions about the destruction and preservation of cultural treasures. Machu Picchu connects to larger themes of human innovation, cultural contact, and the importance of archaeological research.

Interesting Fact: More than 500 different types of orchids grow around Machu Picchu, making it a hotspot for biodiversity as well as history.

Who built Machu Picchu?

The Inca civilizationThe AztecsThe RomansThe Spanish

What mountain range is Machu Picchu in?

Andes MountainsHimalayasAlpsRockies

Who revealed Machu Picchu to the world in 1911?

Hiram BinghamFrancisco PizarroPachacutiSimón Bolívar

Why did Machu Picchu have terraces?

For farming on mountainsFor defenseFor tradeFor ceremonies

What caused the abandonment of Machu Picchu?

Spanish conquest and diseaseEarthquakeFloodInca civil war

How did the Incas bring water to Machu Picchu?