I'm grateful to have visited some archaeological sites of the Incas, and since then I'm becoming more and more fascinated with structures built from stone. The photo below is of what's known as Baño de la Ñusta, or Princess Bath. The water flows at a slight angle into the smaller upper-pool, which is filled with sand, creating a swirling motion enabling it to slow and filter the water before it touched the princess during ceremonial baths. It is thought that the three levels symbolized in the carved stone seen here is a representation of the Incas' belief system-- heaven, present, and the underworld, often represented by the condor, puma, and snake, respectively.
It's thought that Ollantaytambo was constructed around mid-15th century by the Incan emperor, Pachacuti. The town is equipped with extensive terracing and irrigation systems. Also, many ceremonials centers were built, like the one pictured above.
These carefully-engineered irrigation channels carved into stone help guide rainwater that can be
used for agricultural irrigation, drinking, and bathing.
I'm amazed to see structures like this built on such steep slopes. No rebar, I-beams, or concrete, and it's still standing over 500 years later.
No comments:
Post a Comment