Rings Of Moray – Sophisticated Irrigation System In Sacred Valley Of The Incas, Peru
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Moray or Muray (in Quechua) is an archaeological site in Peru approximately 50 km (31 mi) northwest of Cuzco on a high plateau at about 3,500 m (11,500 ft) and in close vicinity of the village of Maras.
The Incas were very advanced in their agricultural techniques that included the terracing system and irrigation using aqueducts. In Moray, for example, they used circular terraces that demonstrate the high level of culture the Inca civilization achieved.
Moray - (4.5 miles from the town of Maras and 39 miles from Cusco) - has ancient Inca ruins mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions, the largest of which is approximately 30 m (98 ft) deep. These terraces were built using retaining walls connected by an irrigation system.
The purpose of the rings of Moray is uncertain. It has been suggested that the circular depressions had a cosmological meaning.
However, it is known that the annual temperature difference between the ground at the bottom of the circles and the highest terrace is 15 degrees C.
This climatic difference has led some archaeologists to believe that these terraces were used by the Incas to experiment with different varieties of plants to improve their crops.
The rings' depth, design, and orientation with respect to wind and sun create a temperature difference of as much as 15 °C (27 °F) between the top and the bottom.
Moray could have been an experimental farm as the terraces descend into the center of each circular formation and create a subtly different micro-climate from the previous terrace.
The site was discovered in 1932 by Shirppe Johnson while flying over the area.
Written by – A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for references
More From Ancient Pages
-
Tombstone With Ancient Greek Inscription Unearthed Near Nitzana In The Negev, Israel
Archaeology | Jan 8, 2021
-
There Is Evidence Humans Reached North America 130,000 Years Ago – Archaeologist Says
Archaeology | Mar 28, 2022
-
Secrets Of The Scarab – Ancient Sacred Symbol In Human History
Ancient Symbols | Jun 14, 2015
-
Rare 2000-Year-Old Celtic Figurine Among Finds In Cambridgeshire
Archaeology | Dec 18, 2018
-
CT Scanning And 3D-Modelling Used To ‘Unfold’ Ancient Silver Plate Found In Jerash
Archaeology | Dec 26, 2015
-
Winged Sun Disk: One Of The Oldest And Most Important Solar And Religious Symbols
Ancient Symbols | Mar 15, 2019
-
Superhighways Traveled By The First Australians Reveal A 10,000-Year Journey Through The Continent – New Study
Archaeology | Feb 3, 2023
-
People With Blue Eyes Have One Common Ancestor Who Appeared 10,000 Years Ago
Civilizations | Feb 24, 2017
-
300 BC Mummy Shroud Fragment In NZ Finds Match In US
Archaeology | Jul 18, 2021
-
Lao Tzu: Legendary Thinker And Founder Of Taoism Who Advocated Modesty, Self-Restraint And Balance
Chinese Mythology | Jul 13, 2019
-
Superfood Of Ancient Andeans Reconstructed – What Helped To Fuel The Tiwanaku Civilization 2,500 Years?
Archaeology | Nov 30, 2021
-
First Genome-Wide Ancient Human DNA From Sudan Shines New Light On Nile Valley Past
Archaeology | Dec 20, 2021
-
Irkalla – Underworld With No Return Ruled By Ereshkigal, Granddaughter Of Enlil And Sister Of Inanna
Featured Stories | Oct 20, 2021
-
Ancient Trans-Atlantic Emigration Theory – Not Supported By Genetic Data, Researcher Says
Archaeology | Jan 18, 2016
-
Mani: Apostle Of Light And His Ancient Rock Crystal Seal
Featured Stories | Jul 2, 2018
-
On This Day In History: William Laud Archbishop Of Canterbury Beheaded – On Jan 10, 1645
News | Jan 10, 2017
-
Zeus – ‘Cloud Collector’, God Of Order, Law And Justice – Most Powerful God Of Olympian Pantheon
Featured Stories | Jan 3, 2019
-
On This Day In History: Admiral Richard E. Byrd Made His First Flight Over The South Pole – On Nov 29, 1929
News | Nov 29, 2016
-
Pharaoh Merneptah – His Giant Sarcophagus And Unique Victory Stele
Featured Stories | Apr 17, 2018
-
New Evidence Of Human Habitation At Panga ya Saidi Cave, Kenya That Dates Back 78,000 Years
Archaeology | May 11, 2018