Puka Pukara (Quechua puka red, pukara fortress, "red fortress")
is a site of military ruins situated near Cusco, Peru.
This fort is made of large walls, terraces, and staircases and was part of the
defense of Cusco in particular and the Inca Empire in general.
The name probably comes from the red color of the rocks at dusk.
Puka Pukara is an example of military architecture that also functioned as an
administrative center.
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Puka Pukara Archaeological Complex
Puka Pukara is located in mid-southern Peru, roughly 7 km (4–5 mi) from
Cusco on the road to Pisac and near the Antisuyo, the jungle portion of
the former Incan empire.
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The fort is located on high ground overlooking the Cusco valley and
Tambo Machay, creating a beautiful and useful view.
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When it was built, it was probably placed so that these areas were
visible to give the military extra vision over important parts of the
empire.
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Puka Pukara Plan
Plan Legend:
- Parking lot
- First wall
- Second wall
- Third wall
- Chincana
- Qolqas
- Bridge
- More constructions
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Puka Pukara seen from the southwest
Although less is known about Puka Pukara than many other Incan ruins,
there is a theory that this site was probably constructed during the
reign of Pachacutec. Since he was the ninth ruler of the empire, it can
be said that Puka Pukara was one of the later constructions.
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The stones used to build most of the walls are very irregularly
shaped, stacked together in kind of a here-and-there manner to create
walls that are functional, but lacking very much beauty as far as
architecture goes (in contrast to many nearby sites). Because of this,
it seems likely the buildings and walls were built hurriedly, because
the military headquarters that Puka Pukara became was thought to be
needed very quickly.
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There is some debate over what Puka Pukara's real function was when
the Incan empire was still thriving. As stated above, it was at least
partially a military base, and, since it was on such a major road and
overlooking so many important spots, it was a very good place to spot
people causing trouble. Officials could have used it as a checkpoint
on the road, stopping those who looked suspicious from travelling any
further into the empire where they could potentially wreak havoc.
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See also
Source
Location
