How were the stones of Machu Picchu cut?

What still puzzles historians and experts is how the stones of Machu Picchu were cut with such precision using only simple tools. The mystery surrounding the techniques used to carve these massive stones has fascinated researchers for decades. In this article, we will delve into the various theories and ideas about how the Incas were able to create such masterpieces of stonework.

Machu Picchu is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. The breathtakingly intricate stonework that characterizes the ruins is a testament to the impressive engineering and architectural abilities of the Inca people.

“Pecking and grinding” technique

One theory about how the stones of Machu Picchu were cut suggests that the Incas used a technique known as “pecking and grinding”. This method involved using simple tools such as hammerstones and chisels to shape stone blocks .

The pecking and grinding technique was a slow and labor-intensive process. However, it allowed the Incas to create intricate shapes and designs with great precision. The hammerstones used to peck the rough shape of the stones were made from hard rocks such as granite. These hard rocks were often found near the quarries where the stone blocks were extracted.

Once the rough shape had been created using the hammerstone, the Incas would use a metal or stone chisel to refine the shape and create the final design. This process required great skill and patience. Thus, the Incas would need to carefully chip away at the stone to achieve the desired shape and texture.

The pecking and grinding technique was a time-consuming activity. However, it could have been highly effective for shaping the stones of Machu Picchu. This method could have allowed the Incas to create the intricate and precise stonework that characterizes the ruins of Machu Picchu today.

“Stone splitting” technique

Another theory about how the stones of Machu Picchu were cut suggests that the Incas used a technique known as “stone splitting”. This method involved drilling a series of holes into the rock using chisels made from harder stones or bronze. Then, wooden wedges were inserted in the stone holes.

The next step of this technique involved soaking the wooden wedges with water. This would cause the wedges to expand and exert pressure on the surrounding rock. As the wooden wedges expanded, they would gradually split the rock along its natural grain. The Incas would then use hammers and chisels to refine the shape of the split stones.

The stone splitting technique allowed the Incas to cut large blocks of rock with relative ease. Also, it was highly effective for creating rectangular blocks and straight lines. The method also made it easier to extract stones from the quarry. It allowed the Incas to split the rocks into smaller, more manageable sizes.

This technique could have been used to build some of Machu Picchu’s structures. However,  the stone splitting technique had some drawbacks. Despite its effectiveness, it was still a labor-intensive process that required great skill and precision. The Incas would need to carefully plan and execute each step of the process, from drilling the holes to splitting the rock and shaping the stones.

High temperature theory

This theory proposes that the Incas used heat to soften the stones, making them easier to cut. They may have used fire or some other heat source to heat the stones. Then, they would have quickly cooled them with water to create a crack, which could then be widened using simple tools.

While there is some circumstantial evidence to support the high temperature theory, many experts remain skeptical. One major challenge to this theory is the fact that the stones of Machu Picchu were cut from a variety of different types of rock. Each rock has its own unique properties and response to heat. It seems unlikely that the Incas would have been able to develop a one-size-fits-all approach to cutting stones using heat.

Another challenge to the high temperature theory is the lack of direct evidence for it. There are some examples of stones that appear to have been cracked by heat. However, there is no clear evidence that the Incas used this method on a large scale.

Despite these challenges, the high temperature theory remains an intriguing possibility for how the stones of Machu Picchu were cut. It is possible that the Incas used a combination of different techniques to cut and shape the stones. Each combination depended on the type of rock and the desired outcome.

Lost technique theory

Finally, some researchers propose that the Incas had a lost technique or secret knowledge that allowed them to cut and shape the stones with such precision. This theory suggests that there may have been some form of technology or knowledge that has been lost to history.

The idea of a lost technique or secret knowledge is a tantalizing one. Thus, it has captured the imagination of many researchers and amateur historians. However, there is little direct evidence to support this theory, and it remains largely speculative.

Some people even claim that the Incas had access to some form of advanced tools or machinery. These forgotten tools could have allowed the Incas to cut and shape the stones more easily. However, there is no direct evidence for such technology. It seems unlikely that the Incas would have had access to advanced tools or machinery given the state of technology at the time. This theory is also refuted by the archaeological artifacts found in the Inca sites. These artifacts don’t display signs of advanced technology beyond simple stone and metal tools. 

One possibility is that the Incas simply had a deep understanding of the properties of different types of rock. Thus, they were able to exploit this knowledge to cut and shape the stones with great precision, using simple but effective techniques to shape and build their iconic monuments. 

Despite the lack of direct evidence, the idea of a lost technique or secret knowledge remains an attractive idea for many people. Even though this theory may seem extravagant, it is a  reminder of the many mysteries that still surround the Inca civilization.