Vilcashuamán shows megalithic pre-Inca construction techniques. Vilcashuamán (Vilka Swaman) is in the highlands of Peru: near Ayakucho Polygonal wall construction shows two distinct quality levels: fine megalithic work (oldest) and crude Inca reconstruction Basalt stone at the site rates 6 out of 10 on Mohs hardness scale, harder than bronze tools (3.5)
Vilcashuamán in Peru features Inca polygonal masonry construction with notable variations in quality. Basalt stone at the site rates 6 on the Mohs hardness scale. The site is located in the Ayacucho region at approximately 3,490m altitude. 🏛️
Key Facts
- Vilcashuamán (Vilka Swaman) is in the highlands of Peru: near Ayakucho
- Polygonal wall construction shows two distinct quality levels: fine megalithic work (oldest) and crude Inca reconstruction
- Basalt stone at the site rates 6 out of 10 on Mohs hardness scale, harder than bronze tools (3.5)
- Bronze tools could not have quarried or affected the basalt material
- The quarry was located 6 kilometers away on top of a mountain
- Construction periods at the site include: megalithic (pre-Inca), Inca reconstruction, and Spanish colonial rebuilding
- The original pre-Inca name of the site likely described its function
- The Inca name Vilcashuamán means 'the sacred falcon'
Related site: Vilcashuamán — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Exploring Megalithic Vilcashuaman In Peru by Brien Foerster