{"id":27028,"date":"2020-12-01T12:29:05","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T17:29:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mathkind.meetgroundswell.com\/?post_type=global-math-stories&p=27028"},"modified":"2026-07-29T11:00:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T15:00:17","slug":"peru-machu-picchu","status":"publish","type":"global-math-stories","link":"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/es\/global-math-stories\/peru-machu-picchu\/","title":{"rendered":"Per\u00fa | Machu Picchu"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”6px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||15px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||10px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_3_text_color=”#0a1766″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

PERU<\/h3>\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_text_color=”#0a1766″ header_font_size=”42px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Math and Mystery of the Inca<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#279b45″ text_line_height=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

By Marisa Laks<\/p>\n

New York, NY, United States<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.7″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The Inca first emerged near Cusco, Peru<\/strong>, around the 12th or early 13th century. For many generations, they lived in a relatively small region. Then, during the 15th century, Inca rulers rapidly expanded their territory through conquest and diplomacy. By the time the Spanish arrived in the 1530s, the Inca Empire stretched across South America from present-day Chile to Colombia.<\/p>\n

Knot for Everyone<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\"Close-up<\/p>\n

Photo \u201cPer\u00f9 antico, Inca, quipu (cordicelle annodate per calcoli matematici)<\/a>\u201d by Francesco Bini. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Inca kept records using a system of knotted cords called a quipu<\/em>. Using a base-10 system, they tied knots to represent place values, similar to the numbers we use today. The colors and arrangement of the cords probably helped organize different types of information. Trained experts created, read, and cared for these important records.<\/p>\n

In addition to the quipu, the Inca used a counting board, similar to an abacus, called a yupana<\/em>. Some were small enough to carry, while others may have been carved into stone or built into floors. Unfortunately, there is not enough information to know exactly how this tool was used.<\/p>\n

Amazing Architecture<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Inca were expert architects and engineers even without the use of wheels, draft animals, or iron tools. In a short period of time, they created a sophisticated network of roads and structures. Many of them are still standing today.<\/p>\n

Ancient Inca masonry was so precise that some structures were assembled without the use of mortar. It is said that their stones fit together so perfectly that a knife blade could not fit between them. The interlocking pieces, sloping walls, and trapezoid-shaped openings also helped many buildings withstand earthquakes. During some powerful tremors, newer sites were badly damaged while nearby Inca walls remained intact.<\/p>\n

\"Close-up<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most impressive structures can be found at the renowned Machu Picchu. This mountaintop settlement was built during the 15th century, most likely as a royal estate for the emperor and his household. Stone stairways wind throughout it, connecting its many levels and buildings. Rather than serving as a military fortress, it appears to have been a place for living and working.<\/p>\n

Machu Picchu was abandoned around the time of the Spanish conquest. Disease, warfare, and the collapse of the Inca government may all have contributed, but nobody knows for certain. Archaeologists have found little evidence that conquistadors ever reached the site.<\/p>\n

From Every Angle<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you visit Machu Picchu, you\u2019ll see many geometric features. For example, parallel terraces built into the side of the mountain were used for farming and provided support for the slopes. Many windows and doorways are shaped like trapezoids, which may have made the buildings more stable. The Temple of the Sun has a curved, semicircular wall, and one of its windows lines up with the rising sun around the June solstice.<\/p>\n

\"Curved<\/p>\n

Geometric features are also found in many other Inca sites, such as Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuam\u00e1n. Although the Inca Empire lasted for only a short time, it left a lasting legacy that still intrigues and amazes people today!<\/p>\n

Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Machu-Picchu-Peru-GMS_with-mountains-600-x-400-px.png” alt=”Panoramic view of Machu Picchu with its stone ruins set among steep green mountain peaks under a bright blue sky” title_text=”Machu Picchu Peru GMS_with mountains (600 x 400 px)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Machu-Picchu-Peru-GMS_ruins-600-x-400-px.png” alt=”Elevated view of rows of stone buildings, terraces, and pathways within the ruins of Machu Picchu” title_text=”Machu Picchu Peru GMS_ruins (600 x 400 px)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.7″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Blank<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Slideshows” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

Are you a teacher who\u2019s interested in telling this story to your students? Here are two slideshows you can use to get started.<\/p>\n

Part 1: Architecture and Geometry<\/p>\n