Saturday, September 6, 2014

The Vitrified Ruins of Ancient Peru

And I may say, once and for all, carefully weighing my words, that in no part of the world I have seen stones cut with such mathematical precision and admirable skill as in Peru, and in no part of Peru are there any to surpass those which are scattered over the plain of Tiahuanaco.
[Ephraim George Squier, Incidents of Travel and Exploration in the Land of the Incas, 1877, p. 279]
Cusco, the famous stone of the twelve angles, masterpiece of megalithic stone masonry. [Photo by Author]
Ever since the time of the discovery by Europeans of the remarkable megalithic ruins of ancient Peru, travelers and scholars have wondered at the remarkable workmanship and precision of the stone cutting and dressing techniques employed by the ancient Peruvians.

The megalithic architecture of the Andean altiplano of Peru and Bolivia is indeed remarkable. It has the same clear and neat lines that only ancient Egypt was able to express, and then only briefly over the course of the IV Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. Yet, very often, what is labelled as “Inca architecture” has little if anything to do with the Incas, a people conquered by the Spanish conquistadores in 1533 and whose empire stretching over much of today’s Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and parts of Argentina lasted for almost two hundred years since the late XIII Century AD or the beginning of the XIV Century AD. Indeed, most architectural historians and archaeologists have now come to recognize in the megalithic architecture of the Peruvian and Bolivian highlands the legacy of much older civilizations, including the Wari and the Tiwanaku empires, whose history already stretched back several centuries (perhaps even millennia) by the time the Incas became lords of  the land. 

Over the last couple of decades, architectural historians such as Jean Pierre Protzen and Stella Nair have addressed the mystery of how a civilization with no knowledge of the wheel and which only possessed rudimentary copper tools and chisels could have quarried, transported, dressed and fitted enormous blocks of hard granite, porphyry and andesite stone with the almost supernatural precision that one can see in the ancient sites of Peru and Bolivia. [1,2]
Even though their experiments have been able to shed some light on the techniques that, even with very rudimentary tools, could have been used to craft perfectly planar surfaces, accurate right angles and millimeter wide joints, many aspects of ancient Andean stone cutting and architecture remain unexplained.

One of the most puzzling and debated issues with Andean megalithic architecture is the apparent vitrification of the stone surfaces one notices at several ancient sites. If rocks were indeed vitrified, as some historians claim, their ancient builders ought to have possessed some yet unknown means by which they were able to soften, melt and in some cases vitrify enormous masses of rock, making it extremely easy to carve stone as hard as granite and andesite in any kind of desired shapes and angles.

The most prominent features of these “vitrified” rocks include:
  • A shiny, glossy appearance that reflects light like a mirror
  • The presence of a “layer” on the surface of the stone, where the apparent vitrification is visible
  • Evidence of vitrification in places where it would be illogical or simply impossible to achieve a similar level of polish by any other more conventional technique (such as hammering, chiseling or polishing with an abrasive substance such as sand or quartz powder)
  • An evident discoloration or change in color and texture of the stone in areas where the vitrification phenomenon is apparent
  • Marks in the stone or other evidence that might suggest that the stone was indeed molten or softened at some point during construction  
  • The presence of a residual magnetic charge in the stone, detectable by means of a compass (although it is unclear how this might be related to the vitrification observed, if at all)
  • The sockets where metal clamps would have been inserted to join together adjacent blocks of stone are often visible in stones that bear traces of vitrification (with the sockets or T-Grooves also showing signs of vitrification)

Below is an overview of some of the anomalies and apparent traces of vitrification we have been able to document at several Peruvian sites.

Cusco, Qorikancha
A set of perfectly aligned windows inside the Qorikancha, the “Golden Enclosure” of ancient Cusco. [Photo by Author]
The Qorikancha, meaning “Enclosure of Gold” was the most important state temple of the Inca Empire, in the heart of their capital city of Cusco. The ruins of the Qorikancha survive underneath the modern day church and convent of Santo Domingo, and are universally recognized as one of the finest examples of Inca stonework in the so-called “Imperial style” using large, squared blocks of granite or andesite. Indeed, a number of elements may suggest an even older origin for the temple, perhaps dating back to the time of the Wari and Tiahuanaco empires (these include the presence of T-Grooves designed to host metal clamps, typical of Tiahuanaco architecture but absent from Inca construction techniques, as well as some controversial astronomical alignments that might point to an even earlier construction date. [3])

The architecture of the Qorikancha is both imposing and austere. The interior is divided in a number of rooms facing a central courtyard, while the outer walls rest on an imposing series of terraces towards the river Huatanay (now little more than a streamlet), that culminate in an impressive curved wall likely built for some astronomical purposes. The stones that compose this outer wall show a remarkable degree of polish. Although these stones do not bear any clear signs of vitrification, their almost metallic finish and mirror-like polish is indeed remarkable.
The beautiful curved wall outside the Qorikancha, overlooking the valley of the river Huatanay. It was likely used for astronomical observations and also hosted a solar gnomon called a Intihuatana. [Photo by Author]
The wonderful outer wall of the Qorikancha facing Calle Ahuacpinta. It is possible to appreciate the very tight joints and the indenting between the stones.
Another view of the outer wall of the Qorikancha facing Calle Ahuacpinta. The horizonal joints are also vitrified. [Photo by Author]
The outer wall facing Calle Ahuacpinta is perhaps the most remarkable as it shows a number of features that testify to the extreme skill of the ancient stonemasons. The wall is entirely built of pinkish-gray granite, using neatly fitted and joined rectangular blocks. Even though the vertical joints are rarely perpendicular, the horizontal joints run almost perfectly straight. 

If observed from close enough, however, the joints reveal something truly remarkable. First of all, each stone possesses a slight, almost imperceptible indentation, so that even the horizontal joints are never truly horizontal, but designed in such a way that each stone would be “locked” in place by means of tiny indentations in each of the adjoining stones. Nevertheless, the joints are so tight as to be barely visible and not even the proverbial sheet of paper could be fitted in between two stones.

The amount of work required to achieve such a perfect fit while keeping tiny indentations between the blocks would be unconceivable by any modern standard, and can only find justification in the high seismicity of the region (perfectly horizontal and perpendicular joints would have caused the stones to slide during an earthquake, while the tiny indentations would have kept them tightly into place). In addition to this very peculiar fit between the blocks, the joints (especially the horizontal joints) appear to be vitrified. A shiny, vitrified layer can be seen at night between the joints or by pointing a flashlight parallel to the wall. There is no explanation as to how this level of vitrification was achieved or why. From a structural point of view, however, the vitrification of the joints would have conferred the wall an almost indestructible strength making it extremely resistant even to the most violent earthquakes.

Vitrification, however, is not limited to the joints. A few stones in the interior of the Qorikancha also show evidence of glazing as if covered by a vitrified film or layer that reflects light. Oddly enough, this coating seems to have been hammered or chiseled away at some point, leaving the stone with a much rougher appearance (why or when this was done remains the subject of speculation, although this might be a consequence of the walls being stuccoed and painted during colonial times).
A dark corridor inside the Qorikancha well expresses the severe and monumental character of this structure. [Photo by Author]
A partially vitrified stone block inside the Qorikancha. Interestingly, the vitrified layer seems to have been deliberately hammered and chiseled away at a later date, possibly during colonial times. [Photo by Author]
Inside the Qorikancha, several stones and niches bear traces of perfectly drilled holes and grooves whose purposes is unknown (it has been speculated they might have held golden plaques, doors, hinges or other ornaments). Some of the holes were drilled in the hard granite for a depth in some cases exceeding 50 centimeters and with a diameter of up to 4 or 5 centimeters.
A remarkable niche inside the Qorikancha, with drilled holes and mysterious grooves. [Photo by Author]
Cusco – Sachsaywaman

The gigantic fortress of Sachsaywaman dominates the city of Cusco from a hill. Some of the stones used for its construction weigh in excess of 250 to 300 tons, and are fitted together with remarkable accuracy. Many of the stones employed in the construction of the fortress appear molten, as if they had been artificially softened and fitted into place, some of them even bearing partially vitrified “scars” suggestive of the application of very intense, concentrated heat.
One of the megalithic gateways leading into the great fortress of Sachsaywaman, above the city of Cusco [Photo by Author]
Some of the strange marks or scars visible on certain stones at Sachsaywaman appear to be the product of intense heat applied to the stone and are also partially vitrified. [Photo by Author]
The most remarkable signs of vitrification are however found on rocks on the hill facing Sachsaywaman (called Rodadero because of the round shape of the vast stone amphitheater that was carved into its summit). A particular rock platform called the “Throne of the Inca” has perfectly planar, partially vitrified surfaces cut in steps, which also appear to be heavily magnetic. Many of the nearby stones are also carved into steps, often forming long stairways, niches and altars. 
The “Throne of the Inca” facing the fortress of Sachsaywaman, on the hill of Rodadero. The steps show signs of at least partial vitrification and bear significant magnetic anomalies. [Photo by Author]
Even though the severe weathering of the rock surfaces would have removed or concealed any sign of vitrification, the rocks (some of them weighing hundreds of tons) appear to have been cracked and split by intense heat that permanently altered the color and texture of the stone. Where the stone has been somehow protected from the weather, vitrification is however evident. 
A carved rock surface on the hill of Rodadero, above Sachsaywaman. This enormous rock appears to have cracked under the effect of extreme heat. It is surrounded by other fragments of stone showing similar cracks and fractures, which must have once been part of some colossal fallen construction. [Photo by Author]
A vitrified tunnel near the Chincana Chica on the hill of Rodadero. Not the mirror polish on the walls and on the ceiling. [Photo by Author]
An area with numerous caves and tunnel called the Chincana Chica contains several tunnels whose walls and ceiling are entirely vitrified to an almost mirror-like polish. The purpose of this strange network of tunnels is unknown, but their extreme antiquity is testified by the fact that many of them, including several chambers that must have once been underground, are now open to the air as they have been exposed by the erosion and quarrying of the rock above.   

Cusco – Q’Enko
The great cave of Q’Enko. The surfaces of the altars and tables show clear signs of having been vitrified. [Photo by Author]
A detail of a vitrified stone surface on the side of one of the altars in the cave of Q'Enko. Vitrification appears as a thin layer on the surface of the stone. [Photo by Author]
Q’Enko is located on a rocky outcrop a short distance from Sachsaywaman and is divided in two areas called Uchuy Q’Enko (meaning “Little Q’Enko) and Q’Enko proper. Uchuy Q’Enko has more of the strangely carved rocks and cyclopean walls reminiscent in style of the constructions of Sachsaywaman. The rock surface contains many carvings that might have once been chambers and corridors that are now open to the air and badly weathered. The extreme weathering of the stone is even more puzzling if one considers that it is entirely composed of very hard andesite stone, a rock very similar to basalt. One particular trench cut into the rock is very much suggestive of a portcullis system connected to a small canal, with parallel grooves clearly visible on both sides of the trench.
The main cave of Q’Enko, believed to be used in funerary rituals, contains several tables and altars (for lack of any other suitable functional explanation) whose surface is entirely vitrified.

Cusco – Temple of the Moon (and Temple of the Monkeys)

The little know Temple of the Moon (and the nearby Temple of the Monkeys) are two rarely visited sites located in the vicinity of Q’Enko. The so-called Temple of the Moon is in fact a large rocky outcrop containing many caves where altars and other structures have been carved into the living rock. The most remarkable of these caves, containing a large ceremonial platform or altar and accessed through a short descending stairway, is entirely vitrified both on the walls and the ceilings. Vitrification of the rock surface is so extensive that the stone shines and reflects the light like a mirror. One can see his own image reflected on the walls and the ceiling as if they were entirely made of polished glass. Similar traces of vitrification are also found on a large altar inside the Temple of the Monkeys, where erosion has left exposed a system of underground chambers and passageways.
The steps leading into the cave of the Temple of the Moon. Note the mirror-like reflection of the stairway on the left wall. [Photo by Author]
Another view of the cave of the Moon, from inside. All the walls and ceilings are entirely vitrified. [Photo by Author]
A view of the Temple of the Moon, from the outside, carved into a rocky outcrop a short distance from Q’Enko. It is possible to see what were clearly the walls and ceilings of chambers that are now entirely exposed to the elements. [Photo by Author]
Ollantaytambo

The great fortress of Ollantaytambo rests on a steep terraced hill dominated by the gigantic megalithic walls of the temple of the Sun, guarding one of the accesses to the Sacred Valley near Cusco.
The large megalithic wall of the Temple of the Sun of Ollantaytambo. Each one of the six porphyry monoliths that compose the structure weights in excess of 70 tons and comes from quarries located at a distance of over 5 Km, on the opposite side of a deep ravine. [Photo by Author]
Ollantaytambo is most famous for the six giant porphyry megaliths, each weighing in excess of 70 tons, which form the façade of the Temple of the Sun (the original appearance of this massive megalithic structure is still the subject of speculation). Similar to the Qorikancha, Ollantaytambo shows signs of different epochs of construction, with the megalithic phase being the earliest and the most refined. Enormous blocks of stone lie scattered around the summit and at the base of the hill, many of which were later reemployed in the much cruder construction of the late Inca period. Interestingly, some of the stones must have been already badly weathered and damaged when they were reused. Several stones also possess T-grooves for holding metal clamps, which are strongly reminiscent of Tiahuanaco architecture.
Smaller stones were inserted between the larger megaliths, possibly for aesthetic or symbolic reasons. The joints between the smaller stones and the larger monoliths are also vitrified. [Photo by Author]
A T-Groove can be seen on a large porphyry stone lying in front of the megalithic wall of the Temple of the Sun. Also note the thin vitrified layer covering the left side of the stone. [Photo by Author]
A perfectly drilled hole in a fallen block of porphyry at Ollantaytambo. Notice the thin grooves and tool marks left inside the hole. [Photo by Author]
The cyclopean masonry leading up to the top of the hill is the finest in Peru, showing a level of polish and accuracy which is almost unparalleled in the ancient world and gives it the appearance of polished metal rather than stone. The protruding bosses that one can see on the surface of many of the stones (and which are also a prominent feature in megalithic buildings in Cusco and elsewhere) were certainly used for the lifting and transportation of the colossal blocks of stone, even though one wonders at the reason why they were left to protrude out of the stone even after the stones had been dressed and fitted into place. Perhaps construction was abandoned and the building was left unfinished at some early stage of completion, but this is hard to reconcile with the degree of polish and the perfect finish of other parts of the wall.
Ollantaytambo, the polygonal wall on one side of the terrace of the Temple of the Sun. The stones have an almost metallic polish. The large, jambed door visible in the picture above once gave access to the upper terrace. One can also notice the stone bosses protruding from the stones.  [Photo by Author]
Among the stones found at Ollantaytambo are pink-red porphyry, gray andesite, black basalt and diorite. No doubt, the chromatic effect of so many different colored stones would have been beautiful. The joints between the stones, including the largest monoliths, appear to have been vitrified as they are coated in a thin reflective layer. This can clearly be observed where certain stones have been removed from the construction. Not only was the edge of the joints vitrified, but the whole stone surface experienced a similar process. What is interesting is that vitrification was apparently limited to the joints or the contact surface with the adjoining stones, but is not usually present on the outer face of the stone (which is polished, but not vitrified). This would suggest two rather obvious conclusions at this point:
  • Vitrification served some functional or structural purpose, and was not done for aesthetic reasons (otherwise the outer face of the stone, the only one that would have remained visible, would have been subject to vitrification too)
  • Vitrification, being only superficial and only in portions of the stone that would have been hidden from sight and therefore not exposed, must be intentional and not the consequence of fire or another catastrophic event

One last point of contention is whether the vitrified layer is indeed part of the stone or rather constitutes a separate vitreous substance applied to the stone (perhaps as a sort of cement or concrete).

This last question is not easily answered. Even though the vitrified surface appears almost as a layer on the stone, it nevertheless appears to be the result of some physical or chemical transformation of the stone itself rather than being just attached to it. Also, vitrification is not only found in masonry, but also in the natural bedrock, in caves and tunnels.   
A large cliff was vitrified and carved into steps and niches at the feet of the hill leading up to the temple of the Sun. The stone surface is polished to a mirror perfection. The texture and coloration of the stone in the part that was carved and vitrified appears different too. [Photo by Author]
Sadly, very little analysis has been done to determine the composition of the vitrified layer and whether it is chemically or physically different from the stone itself. Some samples collected from a set of vitrified caves and tunnels at a site called Tetecaca, above the city of Cusco were purportedly analyzed by the University of Utrecht, Holland. Microscope photographs have revealed two clearly distinct regions, the vitrified layer and the stone underneath. The presence of a transition layer, which is also clearly visible in photographs, suggests however that the vitrified surface and the stone body are not separate but are indeed one and the same, although the surface of the stone has certainly undergone a physical transformation.

Interestingly, however, the chemical composition of the surface layer appears to be at least partially different from that of the body stone, as it contains elements not present in the natural rock samples. This suggests that a kind of glaze composed of mostly silica was applied to the stone under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. [4]    

Even if these results were confirmed with more evidence from other sites, it remains to be explained how a similar glaze could be applied to the stone and how the required temperatures (well above 1,000 degrees Celsius) and pressures could be reached and maintained in the open air outside of a large furnace.

Note: Other vitrified stones are found in the city of Cusco itself and in the nearby sites of Tambomachay, Chincheros and the “Zona X” (which will be the subject of a future article). Vitrified stonework is also found at Machu Picchu, although limited to the joints between the stones of the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Temple plaza.

References
[1] Jean Pierre Protzen, Inca Architecture and Construction at Ollantaytambo, Oxford University Press, 1993
[2] Jean Pierre Protzen and Stella Nair, The Stones of Tiahuanaco: A Study of Architecture and Construction, The Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press, 2013    
[3] Rolf Muller, Die Intiwatana (Sonnenwarten) im alten Peru, Berlin, Verlag von D. Reimer, 1929
[4] Jan Peter de Jong, Evidence of Vitrified Stonework in the Inca Vestiges of Peru, http://janpeterdejong.weebly.com/vitrified-stones.html

21 comments:

  1. has jean pierre protzen offered an explanation for the vitrification?

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  2. These t-clamps occur in Egypt, and the Great Wall of China, where it ends at the ocean!

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  3. see also: vitrified catles in Britain (https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4326)
    and thanks again for your great work!!!

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  4. Very good article
    I also think that the Incas could not have created all this by themselves, for a simple reason: I KNOW SOMETHING VERY SIMILAR TO THIS CLASS OF MEGALITIC RUINS OUTSIDE PERU, IN A PLACE WHERE THE INCAS COULD NOT HAVE ARRIVED, HIDDEN AND LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS OF ANOTHER COUNTRY, VERY AWAY FROM PERU

    I would like to add something on this subject: I am very sure that this same kind of megalithic architecture came to Mexico, I do not lie, which may sound crazy, because there are no archaeological reports about something like that in Mexico, but I myself received On the part of a friend an image where megalithic constructions of Inca class are observed, lost in a mountain of the state of Mexico,

    Something you should know is that Mexican archeology suffers from censorship and constant disguise, I do not know why they do that, but it is not the first time INAH has silenced the discoveries of "anomalous and out of the ordinary" archeological sites, that censorship Is all the time and more specifically against large-scale megalithic archaeological sites

    Those rumors about incredible palaces and huge cities made of gigantic megalithic stones in Mexico very much like the Incas in Peru were true, and have been silenced all the time because they can not be explained by the "experts and institutes"

    If you are interested in knowing more, please contact me at my email or reply to my comment right here, thanks

    pd: Ignore my profile picture, I'm not a troll, in the teacher giorgio tsoukalos I'm just an independent researcher like you who wants to discover the truth

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    1. excuse me my bad english

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    2. Hi Giorgio,
      I have been trying to contact you concerning these ruins you mention in central Mexico but have not been able to get through your mailbox. Is there any other way I can contact you?

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    3. hello again, if you want we can talk right here, and I'll send you my mail

      according to my friend who took the photo, in which you can see 4 huge blocks of granitic stone with a size of 4 to 6 feet high, protruding from the mountain floor, this city is made of huge megalithic stones, with a size from 5 feet to more than 15 feet high, the size of the stones vary from medium to large blocks to many meters long and tall

      in that place also exists a perfectly carved monolithic pyramidal temple of approximately more than 30 feet of height

      is located a few kilometers from malinalco, very close to the monolithic cuauhcalli malinalco, and also very close to the border with the state of morelos and cuernavaca,

      I can tell the location of the place to visit and see if it is true, with a condition

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    4. I do not know what karma would have mexico with the megalithic ruins of type "advanced ancestral technology" as those mentioned by the theorists of the ancient astronauts, because all those ruins and temples and archeological sites of type and perfect construction and that seem made with advanced technology are usually ignored and censored in Mexico, never come to light, nor are they shown to the public in general, not even in Peru or Bolivia the institutes hide this kind of places, make them known and make them famous, such as machu picchu or puma punku, but in the case of mexico is not so, this kind of places always keep them in secret and out of the view of the public and the Mexican people that you never enter anything

      I am also an independent researcher, and I have researched quite a lot on the internet and I have found many legends stories and all sorts of records about anomalous sites found in Mexico and of which nothing is known, most of these records are about anomalous sites and outside of the common, and they come from the times of the conquest until recent times,

      what I have noticed is that these strange and unusual places are usually of the megalithic type, monolithic or even of exotic types,

      for example a large underground temple made entirely of polished marble that was found long ago in xochicalco, appeared the news on this remarkable discovery in an old newspaper of cuernavaca, many decades ago, exists a "stela" in the same place that in fact it is not a stele but a pillar of polished marble in the place, perhaps you will have seen it yourself, the stele of the two glyphs, which resembles more a marble pillar or a constructive megalithic block than a stele

      I can pass information on my research, so that you travel to certain strange places and locate them, I just want some things: credit on the information and location of these sites, I want to be mentioned as the discoverer of these sites, without offending, and that you send me as many photos as you can, take many photos of the places that I will mention

      I can not travel to these places because of my young age (I'm 20 years old) and because I have a lot of work and duties where I live, and I do not have enough money to do these trips, you could travel to these places for me and photograph them, I would appreciate it if I did, we would both benefit

      is the only thing I want, recognition and credit for discovering these places and take many photos as you can,

      thank you and I await your response

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    5. Thank you, Giorgio.
      This information sounds extremely interesting. I would be happy to document these sites. Of course you or your friends would be given full credit for the discovery. Is there a way I can contact you in private to discuss more about the location of the sites? Perhaps you can also send some pictures? I have sent you a private message through Google+, but not sure this has reached you. You can reply directly to that one or to this post.

      Sounds like you have done lots of research on these ancient ruins, and you deserve all credit and recognition if these turn out to be genuinely ancient sites. I would be happy to organize an expedition to document them and make them known to a broader public.

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    6. Giorgio, you can contact me directly at this email address: unchartedruinsblog@gmail.com

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  5. Excellent work! You are one of the pioneers of what I call "protohistory": the history before recorded history. I believe the ancients used scalar/torsion technology to dress, vitrify, and construct their megalithic monuments. Also, there is some evidence that stone-softening substances, perhaps derived from plants, was used. Ivan Sanderson reported this and Col. Fawcett observed it. You and Brien Foerster and others are doing very important work in Central and South America.

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    1. Thank you, Desertdan
      There is still so much to discover about our ancient megalithic past and the many enigmas posed by these ruins. It is interesting to find the same style of construction in so many places around the world. In a previous article I cover the cyclopean architecture of Central Italy, which bears a striking similarity to that of Peru. I am currently investigating a number of megalithic structures in Mexico at Teotihuacan, Malinalco and Tezcotzingo that show possible signs of advanced machining comparable to those found on ancient structures in Egypt and Peru. In a future article I will also discuss the evidence for cyclopean/ polygonal masonry among the earliest construction layers of Xochicalco and Tula, also in Mexico.
      Of course I always welcome everyone to report new sites that could be worth investigating.

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  6. Very interesting article. Thank you for your excellent work; really enjoy the pictures too. The ancient people who built the megalithic structures in Peru actually left a recorded history. They arrived in South America around 600 BC and the record covers through about 421 AD. The people were called Nephites named after their early leader Nephi (pronounced "knee fi"). Nephi kept a record on metal plates that were passed down from generation to generation with many other leaders adding their own record of their times. A final writer named Mormon wrote an abridgement of the many, many records and added some pages of his own. This record has since been translated and published in over 70 pages and is called the Book of Mormon. You can get a free copy from mormon.org or buy one at amazon or a bookstore. Yes, the book is considered scripture by the Mormon church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) as the ancient writers combine a good deal of their religious teachings along with the history of the people. But even if you have zero interest in religion, you should find the historical aspect of the book most interesting. For example, here is an excerpt from Nephi regarding the building of a temple which I believe was what is now called Coricancha as mentioned in this article.
    15 And I did teach my people to abuild buildings, and to bwork in all cmanner of wood, and of diron, and of copper, and of ebrass, and of steel, and of fgold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance.

    16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s etemple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of fSolomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine."

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    1. Not wanting to endorse the Mormon religion was the main reason that the institute of the Smithsonian hide, destroyed, etc all that archaeological evidence from sites that were investigated by their people, as well as other archaeologists. You would think that if their ideals (of evolution, apparently) were of the truth, that they would not need to cover up and destroy evidence from sites, guess there will always be people who think like that.... that magically what they believe can become the truth by destroying the work of other people. I hope that some sort of translatable library of the ancients or Hall of Records is found very soon, and by those that can publish it before it gets hidden. The Egyptologists have penetrated deep into the great pyramid during that time , belive its was a year, of 'renovations'. They have yet to publish what eet they have found, hopefully they are not stealing the contents. Oh, and just to understand something, 600 BC is old, but not ancient. The megaliths belong to an earlier epoch, the oldest of such are 15,000 BC or earlier. The culture apparently continued to just after the great flood of Noah's time , the disappeared around the time we give for the Tower of Babel occurrence.

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  7. Hi , I've read a few things on this site and I really do think that it has helped tremendously. There's still a heap I need to learn thus can continue learning and can keep coming back.
    Thanks.Sand suppliers in Bangalore

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  8. Hi, I have been studying our ancient origins for a few years now and have visited many ancient sites in Thailand, Cambodia, India, Peru, and Mexico. I will be traveling back to Mexico in a few weeks for an extended journey and would like to be involved in studying and documenting megalithic structures in central and southern Mexico. If you would like to join up and research together sometime that would be an honor. You can reach me @ shultzdaniel77@gmail.com Hope to hear from you soon.

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  9. Sorry, I forgot to put a name. Daniel

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  10. I have been studying these megalithic structures for only a short time, but am convinced that the technologies used to manipulate the shape of these huge stones are more advanced than what exists in modern times. Would be happy to exchange thoughts with any of you who share an interest in this compelling subject. - Bill Chambers

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  11. Further to my above comment on July 17, 2020, I can be contacted at chamberswill@gmail.com.

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  12. The interlocking grooves would seem to be for stability, as the region is prone to earthquakes.

    As for the vitrification, a strong possibility exists that the builders of the sites were attacked with heat, to be cooked alive. The vitrification of megalith stones all around the globe, which is common, should be categorized and dated. Did it happen in mass around one time in ancient history, or more than one time?

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  13. I think that Percy Fawcett's account of the plants that the Indians told him that the ancients used to melt stones to build the megalithic structures deserves to be researched. It was mentioned just in passing in one of his books. As far as I know, no one has taken this seriously, and researched it.

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