1. I think it is interesting that Bingham possibly used the size of the skeletal remains found as a way to determine the sex of the remains, concluding that 80% of the bones found were female, and coming up with the conclusion that the remains were those of the ‘virgins of the sun’. I find it interesting and amazing that these structures were each made with precisely cut stones all of which were hand cut, without using electric tools, equipment, or mortar and that it is still standing today. Lastly, it is interesting that Machu Picchu could have been built by people who did not even have a written language, the Inca communicated through a calculated system of knotted strings call quipu.
2. I personally do not think it really matters who …show more content…
Bingham and his team originally believed that they found the lost city. When Bingham and his team came across over 100 burials, they believed that was evidence to confirm his original theory. After further examination of the bones, he confirmed that they were, 80% were female; Bingham believed that these were the skeletal remains of the ‘virgins of the sun’. According to Spanish accounts, the ‘virgins of the sun’ were the most beautiful females in the empire who were chosen for the sacred convent when they were around 8 yrs. Old, these females lived the rest of their lives serving the Inca emperor. Bingham believed that when the last Inca king went into the mountains to escape the Spanish, he took the ‘virgins of the sun’ with him. In conclusion, Bingham believed that the skeletal remains were those of the ‘virgins of the sun’ and the city on the mountain was Vilcabamba.
Forensic anthropologist John Verano re-examined the bones and does not believe that the skeletal remains were mostly female, but that they were half-female and half male; he also found bones of children, and does not believe that any of this can prove the remains were of the so called ‘virgins of the sun’, ruling out Bingham’s theory. Verano believes that Machu Picchu was a peaceful and royal estate for emperor
2. I personally do not think it really matters who …show more content…
Bingham and his team originally believed that they found the lost city. When Bingham and his team came across over 100 burials, they believed that was evidence to confirm his original theory. After further examination of the bones, he confirmed that they were, 80% were female; Bingham believed that these were the skeletal remains of the ‘virgins of the sun’. According to Spanish accounts, the ‘virgins of the sun’ were the most beautiful females in the empire who were chosen for the sacred convent when they were around 8 yrs. Old, these females lived the rest of their lives serving the Inca emperor. Bingham believed that when the last Inca king went into the mountains to escape the Spanish, he took the ‘virgins of the sun’ with him. In conclusion, Bingham believed that the skeletal remains were those of the ‘virgins of the sun’ and the city on the mountain was Vilcabamba.
Forensic anthropologist John Verano re-examined the bones and does not believe that the skeletal remains were mostly female, but that they were half-female and half male; he also found bones of children, and does not believe that any of this can prove the remains were of the so called ‘virgins of the sun’, ruling out Bingham’s theory. Verano believes that Machu Picchu was a peaceful and royal estate for emperor