The article "The Inca - Cities in the Cloud" discusses the remarkable civilization of the Inca and their unique cities built high up in the Andes Mountains.

The Inca Empire was one of the largest and most powerful civilizations in South America, ruling over a vast territory that stretched from present-day Colombia to Chile. Their civilization flourished from the early 13th century until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.

What makes the Inca civilization so intriguing is their ability to construct magnificent cities at high altitudes, often referred to as "Cities in the Cloud.

" These cities were built on mountain peaks, surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

One of the most well-known Inca cities is Machu Picchu, located in modern-day Peru. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD and served as a royal retreat for Inca rulers. It is situated at an altitude of nearly 8,000 feet, nestled among the Andes Mountains. The city is composed of intricate stone structures, terraced fields, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Archaeologists believe that it served both ceremonial and agricultural purposes.

The Inca were remarkable engineers, using impressive techniques to construct their cities. They utilized the natural landscape to their advantage, building terraces and walls with precision to create flat surfaces for agriculture and habitation. The stones used in their constructions were precisely cut and fit together without the use of mortar. This architectural technique, called ashlar masonry, allowed the Inca structures to withstand earthquakes and extreme weather conditions.

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