Temple+of+the+Sun

Temple of the Sun: Abby Gritis

Temple of the Sun: Cultural: The Temple of the Sun was a religious place. It even states in the name that it is a temple, but many people had a connection to this temple. Even though it was very exclusive to get in, it held very important places. Like “ The most important building for Machu Picchu, the tower known as Torreon, was placed inside of the Temple of the Sun to indicate that that was exactly the position with the highest altitude all over the city” (“The Temple of the Sun” 1). Only the most important events were held there. Even sacrificing, which said that “The priest was the persons who are in charge of perform the sacrifices, killing many animals and by the reading of his stomach and lungs, they can see the future and prevent any kind of disaster” (The Temple of the…” 1). Many people wanted to be in the Temple of the Sun, and be closest to the heavens but that was just not possible. It would not be scared enough if everyone could get in.

Historical: The Temple of the Sun has many different meanings to many different people, however whatever it means it was thought out very well. It is said that “ According to anthropological researches, the exact location of the Citadel was chosen to place the city at the highest altitude and, thus, this location in turn get to contemplate heaven more closely” (“The Temple of the Sun” 1). These people had a thought as to why something should be placed where it was, and this was very smart of them. However, not everyone could enjoy the holinesses that was the Temple of the Sun. In fact, “Few people had access to this place, since that the ceremonies for the ordinary people were made on the public square, only the priest and the Inca could enter to the Temple of the Sun” (“The Temple of the..” 1). These people wanted to show how the Temple was only for those who were extra deserving of it. They chose this place, and only allowed certain people in for a reason. This reason was security, they wanted to make sure that they were the ones who would be touched by the heavens, not some random person off the street.

Aim: The Aim of the Temple of the Sun was to be a holy place for those of supreme power. It is said that “The gate has a very interested security system, which includes many metal rings that functioned to avoid that the common people was able to watch the rituals dedicated to the sun” (The Temple of the…” 1). The general public could not even get inside this holy place. It was made for the elite and only commoners could look it. It is also said that “t he Temple of the Sun, where the most important and meaningful events were held” (The Temple of the Sun” 1). This was no ordinary Temple, this was the most important Temple. Without this area of worship, the Inca people would have no special places for the people of power. The Temple of the Sun was a very important addition to the Inca Empire.

Audience:

Many citizens could look into the Temple of the Sun. These people were the audience to the people in power. In fact, “only the priest and the Inca could enter to the Temple of the Sun” (“The Temple of the…” 1). The people of power in this Empire knew that they were being watched by the community in their holy rituals. Even more so, “ The Inca civilization believed that, a closer position to the Sun would allow a better and more appropriate location for the settlement, as well as for the practice of the different doctrines like astronomical studies” (“The Temple of the Sun” 1). This just goes to show that the people in charge of the Inca Empire wanted to show the amount of power and knowledge that they held. They wanted people to see them, but not be able to enter. The Inca Empire were mysterious people.

Works Cited:

“The Temple of the Sun”. Machu Picchu. //Enjoy Machu Picchu.// 2012. Web. 21 February 2015 “The Temple of the Sun”. Machu Picchu. //MachuPicchu.Org//. 2015. Web. 21 February 2015