Publications [#268187] of Henry Petroski

Papers Published

1. Petroski, H, Machu Picchu, American Scientist, vol. 97 no. 1 (January, 2009), pp. 15-19, Sigma Xi, ISSN 0003-0996 [doi]
   (last updated on 2023/06/01)

   Abstract:
   Some of the Inca stonework in Inca archaeological sites backed in the Inca empire in early 16th century, are thoughtfully protected by substantial and attractive glass walls. Machu Picchu is the most widely known and admired, aside from Cusco, which is now a curious combination of Spanish colonial arches perched atop solid and often severely angular Inca foundation walls. The Machu Picchu, that is used to be a sacred location and royal retreat, is believed to have been constructed about 1450 and to have flourished until about 1540. Fortunately, Machu Picchu maintains a truly indigenous architecture, providing unadulterated insight into its original design and construction, as well as into Inca engineering.