Inkallaqta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inkallaqta |
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| General information | |
| Location | Cochabamba Department |
| Country | Bolivia |
| Coordinates | 17°36′18″S 65°24′57″W / 17.60500°S 65.41583°W |
Inkallaqta (pronounced In-ka-YAK-ta) is an amazing ancient Inca site in central Bolivia. Its name comes from the Quechua words inka (meaning Inca) and llaqta (meaning place or town). So, Inkallaqta means "Inca place." It is located in the Cochabamba Department, about 130 kilometers (around 80 miles) east of the city of Cochabamba. This important historical site was once a major center for the Inca people.
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Exploring the Ancient Inca Site
Inkallaqta was recently studied by an archaeologist named Larry Coben. He believes the site was used for special ceremonies. These ceremonies likely followed the Inca calendar. The site has several important buildings and structures.
Key Buildings and Structures
- The Kallanka: This is one of the most impressive buildings at Inkallaqta. It was the largest single-roofed room in the entire Western Hemisphere when it was built. It measures about 78 meters (256 feet) long and 25 meters (82 feet) wide. Imagine how big that is!
- The Ushnu: This is a special ritual platform. The Inca used ushnus for important ceremonies and observations.
- The Torreon: Located on the western side of the site, this six-sided structure is also very interesting. Experts think it might have been used to track the calendar or for astronomical observations.
- The Zigzag Wall: Just north of the main site, there is a unique zigzag-shaped wall. This wall was built to mark and protect the ancient city.
World Heritage Status
Inkallaqta is recognized as a very important cultural site. On July 1, 2003, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This means that UNESCO is considering it to become an official World Heritage Site. Being on this list highlights its global importance and helps protect it for future generations.
The Incallajta Opera
This amazing ruin has even inspired an opera! An opera called "Incallajta" was created to honor these ruins. It was the first opera ever made in Bolivia. The story was written by Norma Méndez de Paz, and the music was composed by Atiliano Auza León. It first premiered in La Paz, Bolivia, in 1980.
See also
In Spanish: Incallajta para niños
