Over 500 years ago the empire of the Incas stretched along the western mountains of South America. The Incas were a distinct people with a distinct language and began to expand their influence in the 12th century and in the early 16th century. In 1450 this empire, 3,000 miles long, held over 4 million people. The Incas exercised control over more territory than any other people had done in South American history.
The Incas were great builders. They were able to build fine roads over the steep mountains. They could build bridges across the deep valleys. These roads helped the Inca government keep in touch with everything that was going on.
The ruins of Machu Picchu (meaning "Old Peak" in the Quechua language) are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. Legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu was seen as a sacred place from a far earlier time. Whatever its origins, the Incans turned the site into a small but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population and watered by natural springs.