Ancient History
RoSA Work Sample Bobbi
Year 11 Ancient History student work sample – Grade B
How is the civilisation of Machu Picchu historically significant?
The ruins of ancient civilisations provide modern society with an extensive range of evidence
pertaining to the physical, sociological and spiritual aspects of a culture. The discovery of one
such establishment which has a significant impact on the study of the ancient world is Machu
Picchu, an Incan city located on the mountain crest in the Cusco region of Peru, South
America. As part of the Incan Empire, it had no written language but the archaeological
evidence gathered from this site has been the driving force behind unveiling its worth. Machu
Picchu is significant as it is the most remarkable and important creation of the Incan civilization
providing historians with a greater understanding of the Incan Empire through excavation and
archaeology. The site carries great implications about the society’s culture, lifestyle and
beliefs. The ancient establishment is not only a major source of knowledge but is an intriguing
display of an ancient society’s ability to interact with and connect with their surroundings
through architecture. Machu Picchu is momentous as it showcases the civilisation’s aptitude
for great achievement in engineering using only natural, raw materials. The discovery of
Machu Picchu has immense connotations about the perspective and context of the ancient
world during the 15th Century.
Machu Picchu is historically significant as it plays out an extremely important role in allowing
historians to gain insight into various aspects of Incan society and culture. The site contains
the greatest amount of archaeological information about the Incan Empire as it is the most
well preserved Incan establishment. Through the archaeological evidence including
remnant of human bone, metal work, pottery, and architecture, information about the Incan
civilisations diet, materials available at the time, living conditions and religious beliefs have
been discovered. For example the discovery and study of hundreds of tombs containing
human remains in Machu Picchu’s eastern slopes the Yale Peruvian Expeditions of 1912
led by Hiram Bingham, allowed historians to determine the diet of the individuals in the
Incan Empire. When John Verano, an anthropologist studied the teeth and bones of these
human remains in 2003 using carbon isotope analysis it was revealed that the crop maize
constituted the core of their daily diet. This discovery has great implications on
understanding the diet and health of the Inca’s. Another example of the use of
archaeological evidence to uncover information about the Incan Empire was the discovery
of ancient offerings including stones and pieces of pottery by archaeologist Carlos
Villanueva Delgado. According to Delgado, the artefacts were likely offerings made to the
apus of Machu Picchu and to the Salcantay peak. Through the discovery historians have
gained greater insight into the importance of the location of Machu Picchu in terms of the
Inca’s religious beliefs. Machu Picchu is significant as the site provides historians with
archaeological evidence revealing otherwise unattainable information about the lifestyle of
the Incan Empire.
Thorough knowledge
and understanding is
demonstrated here with
a clear outline clarifying
the argument for the
significance of Machu
Picchu
Analysis and evaluation
is demonstrated in the
discussion of the
concept of historical
significance
Sound organisation and
synthesising processes
are evident with the use
of topic sentences that
connect theme and topic
helping to formulate the
structure for an effective
argument with good
source referencing
Thorough research and
knowledge is evident in
the discussion of
archaeological and
anthropological findings
1
RoSA Work Sample Bobbi
The establishment Machu Picchu is also important in the study of the ancient world as it is a well
preserved and intriguing example of past civilisations ability to interact and connect with their
surrounding environment. The site is an outstanding display of ancient society’s ability to create
impressive architecture which was suitable to its location. In this case the city was built on a mountain
ridge above the Urubamba River; a spectacular engineering feat in itself. The amazing architecture
not only showcases its own ability and sturdy design but reclaims the steep mountainous terrain and
makes the city blend naturally into the rock escarpment. The site is a wonderful example of the Incan
Empire’s ability to build architecture without detracting from the natural beauty of the natural
environment. The civilisation contains evidence of about two hundred edifices, built of white granite,
including palaces, temples, shrines, baths, fountains and stairways. The architecture of Machu
Picchu not only acts as archaeological evidence but showcases the aptitude of its engineers. Machu
Picchu is historically significant as it is a testimony to the Inca’s ability to create suitable architecture
for the surrounding environment.
Explanation of key
points and ideas
demonstrates
knowledge. This is
used to exemplify the
significance of Machu
Picchu
Machu Picchu is remarkable as it showcases the civilisations ability to create a magnificent city out of
natural, raw materials. The Inca did not have the substances usually found in other structures of this
magnitude including iron and steel making their engineering designs even more impressive. Machu
Picchu is considered one of the world’s great examples in the use of natural, raw materials. As steel
and iron were not available at the time of Machu Picchu’s creation stone, in particular granite was used
to construct various buildings. The exact method of this construction is still a mystery as the Inca’s not
only didn’t possess advanced materials but didn’t possess the necessary tools to split granite efficiently.
Even in today’s modern society, in light of new technologies, cutting granite takes many hours. This
lack of material was outshone by the advanced skills and knowledge of Machu Picchu’s Incan engineers
and designers. The significance of Machu Picchu is evident in the complexity of its architectural
designs, especially in the light of Incas lack of materials.
Grade Commentary
A thorough response that addresses the key idea that Machu Picchu is historically significant. There are
clear and consistent links to the theme of significance throughout the writing, which is evidence of
conceptual understanding. Thorough knowledge and research are evident with relevant references to
archaeologists and anthropologists; however, more specific detail and examples would enhance the depth
and rigor of the argument, and allow for more insightful evaluation.
Bobbi’s response demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at a
grade B standard.
2