Raqchi

Infobox Archaeological Site Peru
site = Raqchi
native_name =
other_name = Temple of Wiracocha


imagesize = 300px
image_caption = Raqchi overview with the temple of Wiracocha on the far right.

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mapsize = 200px
map_caption = Location of Raqchi Peru
locator_x = 190
locator_y = 205
latd = 14
latm = 10
lats = 30
latNS = S
longd = 71
longm = 22
longs = 0
longEW = W
civilization = Inca
era =
period =
country = PER
region = Cusco
area = 10.97 km²
elevation = 3460 m
web =

Raqchi is an Inca archaeological site in the Cusco region in Peru also known as the "Temple of Wiracocha", one of its constituents.

Layout

The complex of Raqchi consists of several different areas each designated with a specific function. The most prominent structure is the Temple of Wiracocha, an enormous two-story roofed structure. This structure consists of a central wall some 18-20m in height flanked on each side by a row of twelve columns. The 4m high foundations for both the wall and the columns are classic high Inca stonework with the remaining height built of adobe. Prior to its destruction by the Spaniards, the temple had what is believed to be the largest single roof in the Incan Empire, having its peak at the central wall, then stretching over the columns and some 25m beyond on each side. The huge proportions of the temple, and its prominence on the site explain why the whole complex is also sometimes referred to as the Temple of Wiracocha.Adjoining the temple to the north are the living quarters, which would have housed both priests and local administrators. The living area is divided into separate squared lots the largest of which is roughly 4x6m. All have niches in their walls which might have been used for storage, though some of the niches have cover posts, suggesting they may have held sacred objects.To the eastern side of the temple are some 200 round storehouses each some 12m across. These storehouses were used to hold grains, such as corn and quinoa, that would have been used for ceremonial purposes. The storehouses are also unique as unlike other structures throughout the empire they are not square cornered. The reason for this is unknown.To the west of the temple is a large field, now used by locals for farming, that might have been a fairground or to hold overflow of worshipers from the temple itself. On the far western edge of this field is a set of baths similar to ceremonial baths at important sites throughout the empire.

External links

* [http://www.inc-cusco.gob.pe/DescInfo.php?IdIO=150&IdOp=150&cb=H INC region Cusco]