Moray Agricultural Terraces
Muyuq Marka terraces · Moray Inca Laboratory
Late Horizon, Inca (~1300–1530 CE)·Inca·🇵🇪 Cusco Region, Peru
About
About Moray Agricultural Terraces
Three colossal natural depressions on the Maras plateau were amplified by Incas into concentric circular andenes up to 150 m across and 30 m deep, each terrace a microclimate ring with temperature differential of 15°C from top to bottom. Imported topsoils from distinct ecological zones suggest systematic experimentation with maize, potato and quinoa varieties. The largest qochas double as astronomical zenith mirrors.
Why it mattersThree colossal natural depressions on the Maras plateau were amplified by Incas into concentric circular andenes up to 150 m across and 30 m deep, each terrace a microclimate ring with temperature dif
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Whether microclimate gradient was deliberate experimentation or unintended product of depression form
- 02Ritual vs agronomic primary function
Theories
- 01Inca agricultural research station proto-Mendelizing altitude adaptation before mit'a redistribution
- 02Ceremonial earth-mandala linking Pachamama fertility and state ideology
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1300–1500 CE
- Period
- Late Horizon, Inca (~1300–1530 CE)
- Culture
- Inca
- Purpose
- Concentric circular terrace laboratory for crop acclimatization and ritual
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1300–1500 CE
Initial construction
c. 1624 CE
Major expansion
On the ground
Structures & features
13.3295° S · 72.1978° W · 3500 m · 2 mapped features
Great Qochas (Sector 1)
terrace system150-m concentric depression with 12 stone-retained rings
13.3295° S · 72.1978° WSmall Moray (Sector 2)
terrace systemTrio of smaller concentric terraces with distinct imported soils
13.3280° S · 72.1990° W
Gallery