Raqchi — Temple of Wiracocha
Raqch'i · Raqchi · Templo de Wiracocha
Inca Late Horizon 1430–1532 CE·Inca (Tawantinsuyu)·🇵🇪 Cusco (Canchis Province), Peru
About
About Raqchi — Temple of Wiracocha
Largest roofed Inca temple 92 m long 11 m central adobe-on-stone wall supporting 25 m thatch roof, with 152 qollqas and lake, Wiracocha oracle.
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Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Inca (Tawantinsuyu) in Cusco (Canchis Province); type-site demonstrating state temple to wiracocha and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Raqchi — Temple of Wiracocha within Inca Late Horizon 1430–1532 CE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Inca (Tawantinsuyu) ceremonial center for state temple to wiracocha
- 02Regional capital controlling trade and tribute network
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.1430–1470 CE
- Period
- Inca Late Horizon 1430–1532 CE
- Culture
- Inca (Tawantinsuyu)
- Builders
- Inca (Pachacuti)
- Purpose
- State temple to Wiracocha
- Abandoned
- 1533 burned
- Rediscovered
- 1547 Garcilaso
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1430–1470 CE
Raqchi — Temple of Wiracocha construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
14.1742° S · 71.3786° W · 3450 m · 2 mapped features
Raqchi — Temple of Wiracocha central feature
featureMain architectural feature
14.1742° S · 71.3786° WRaqchi — Temple of Wiracocha secondary sector
sectorSecondary sector
14.1732° S · 71.3776° W
Gallery