Machu Picchu: The Discovery and Controversy
The Discovery of Machu Picchu
The discovery of Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca city nestled in the Peruvian Andes, is shrouded in controversy. Hiram Bingham III, an American explorer and historian, is widely credited with “discovering” the ruins in 1911. However, recent research suggests that others may have visited the site before him.
Bingham’s expedition, guided by local farmers and a Peruvian policeman, stumbled upon the ruins on July 24, 1911. He was awestruck by the intricate stone structures and terraces, hidden within a dense jungle. Bingham’s account of his discovery, published in Harper’s Monthly in 1913, brought Machu Picchu to international attention.
The Dispute over Bingham’s Discovery
Despite Bingham’s claim to fame, Peruvian archaeologists contend that he was not the first outsider to visit Machu Picchu. They point to evidence of earlier graffiti and the presence of German, British, and American explorers in the area prior to Bingham’s arrival.
One of the most vocal critics of Bingham’s discovery claim is Peruvian anthropologist Jorge Flores Ochoa. He argues that Bingham “had more academic knowledge… But he was not describing a place that was unknown.”
In a letter to the Times in 1916, German mining engineer Carl Haenel claimed to have accompanied explorer J.M. von Hassel to Machu Picchu in 1910, though he provided no documentation to support his assertion.
Even Bingham himself acknowledged the possibility that others had visited the ruins before him. In a letter to the National Geographic Society in 1913, he wrote: “It seemed almost incredible that this city, only five days’ journey from Cuzco, should have remained so long undescribed and comparatively unknown.”
The Scientific Discoverer of Machu Picchu
Despite the controversy surrounding Bingham’s discovery claim, many scholars believe that he played a crucial role in bringing Machu Picchu to the attention of the world. He conducted extensive research and excavations at the site, documenting its architectural marvels and cultural significance.
Richard L. Burger, a professor of anthropology at Yale University where Bingham taught, argues that Bingham “never claimed to have been the first modern person to have set foot in Machu Picchu.” He believes that Bingham should be recognized as the “scientific discoverer” of the ruins.
The Artifacts and Bones of Machu Picchu
Bingham brought back a vast collection of artifacts and bones from Machu Picchu, which are now housed at Yale University. The Peruvian government has demanded the return of these items, arguing that they belong to the Peruvian people and should be preserved in their country of origin.
In 2007, Yale agreed to return most of the artifacts in exchange for keeping some for further research. However, the Peruvian government filed a lawsuit in 2017 demanding the return of the entire collection.
The ongoing legal battle between Yale and Peru highlights the complex ethical and legal issues surrounding the ownership and repatriation of cultural artifacts.
The Legacy of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru. Its stunning beauty and historical significance continue to captivate visitors from around the world.
The discovery and controversy surrounding Machu Picchu underscore the importance of historical research and the ongoing debates over the ownership and preservation of cultural heritage.