Reading: The lost city

What was Hiram Bingham's original goal in South America in 1911?

• To explore the Amazon rainforest

• To find the lost city of Machu Picchu

• To study the Inca architecture in Cusco

• To locate the remains of a city called Vilcabamba

Why did previous travelers miss the area around Machu Picchu?

• They were not interested in exploring the region.

• A high pass across the mountains allowed them to cut a corner

• The Urubamba river was too difficult to navigate.

• They were unaware of the existence of Machu Picchu.

What prompted Hiram Bingham to climb the nearby hill on July 24th?

• The promise of discovering deadly snakes

• A local farmer's suggestion about ruins

• His team's enthusiasm for exploration

• The need to arrange mules for the trek

How did Bingham describe his initial reaction upon discovering Machu Picchu?

• He was excited about finding a new city.

• He believed it was the birthplace of the first Inca.

• It felt like an unbelievable dream, holding him spellbound.

• He thought it was a disappointing sight.

When did Bingham write "Lost City of the Incas"?

• During his exploration in 1911

• In 1948, years after his journey

• Immediately after his return

• Before discovering Machu Picchu

What was Bingham's initial understanding of the importance of Machu Picchu?

• He recognized its significance immediately.

• He understood its importance after writing his book.

• He never realized the importance of the site.

• He shared all details with his companions.

Why did Bingham think Machu Picchu might be the "last city of the Incas"?

• Due to its proximity to Cusco

• Based on the discovery of gold

• Following Spanish chroniclers' accounts

• In an attempt to make a name for himself

What did Bingham propose about Machu Picchu in his National Geographic article?

• It was a country estate built by an Inca emperor.

• It was the birthplace of the first Inca.

• It was a ceremonial site for Inca rituals.

• It was the last city of the Incas.

What is the current understanding of Machu Picchu's purpose according to the passage?

• A country estate built by an Inca emperor

• The birthplace of the first Inca

• A site for Inca rituals and ceremonies

• Abandoned after the death of the emperor Pachacuti

Why do historians wonder why Machu Picchu seems to have been abandoned before the Spanish Conquest?

• Lack of interest from the Spanish chroniclers

• The belief that it was a country estate for winter escape

• Evidence of the elite enjoying monumental architecture

• The absence of references to it in historical records