Megalithic Construction: The Case of the Inka

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2025: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The monumental walls of Sacsayhuaman, an Inca ceremonial complex in Cusco, Peru, represent one of the most enigmatic examples of megalithic architecture. Despite their iconic status, the construction methods, technologies, and materials used to create these colossal stone structures remain subjects of ongoing debate. This paper combines archaeological evidence with experimental archaeology to explore the process of building Sacsayhuaman. The unfinished portions of the walls offer a rare glimpse into the techniques and stages of Inca stonework, from quarrying and transport to final assembly. By integrating insights from the broader literature on megalithic construction worldwide, this study not only sheds light on the specific practices employed at Sacsayhuaman but also contributes to a deeper understanding of pre-Columbian engineering. The findings have broader implications for our knowledge of Inca civilization and its architectural legacy, challenging existing theories and offering new perspectives on the technological capabilities of ancient societies. This research underscores the value of experimental archaeology in reconstructing lost technologies and offers a model for investigating other megalithic sites around the world. ***This presentation will include images of human remains.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• SAA 2025: Individual Abstracts

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 53642