Intipunku Sun Gate — North Approach (Machu Picchu)
Intipunku N Approach
Bronze Age to Classical (3000 BCE–500 CE)·Bronze Age urban; Inca·🇵🇪 Cusco, Machu Picchu, Intipunku, Peru
About
About Intipunku Sun Gate — North Approach (Machu Picchu)
Intipunku Sun Gate — North Approach (Machu Picchu) in Cusco, Machu Picchu, Intipunku, Peru is a Bronze Age to Classical (3000 BCE–500 CE) ancient city attributed to Bronze Age urban. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal necropolis and domestic quarter. Dimensions city wall circuit 1.2 km; area 18 ha; area 21.6 ha. Excavation unexcavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Bronze Age urban ancient-city with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 2720 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (3000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age urban; Inca
- Builders
- Bronze Age urban
- Purpose
- Urban centre with palace and temple precinct
- Rediscovered
- 1890
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 2500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1025 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1893
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1497 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
13.1700° S · 72.5300° W · 2720 m · 3 mapped features
Principal Monument
structurePrincipal Monument at Intipunku Sun Gate — North Approach (Machu Picchu) — structure with stratified deposits
13.1699° S · 72.5305° WAncillary Complex
complexAncillary Complex at Intipunku Sun Gate — North Approach (Machu Picchu) — complex with stratified deposits
13.1687° S · 72.5309° WOutlier Feature
outlierOutlier Feature at Intipunku Sun Gate — North Approach (Machu Picchu) — outlier with stratified deposits
13.1702° S · 72.5299° W