The amphitheaters of Muyu-uray, Peru
In Bernard Rudofsky’s Architecture without Architects The primary case study is a seldom known feature created by the Inca Tribal members known as the Maras. The site contains four separate circular forms and one horse-shoe bend countered into the earth. Each terrace is about 6 feet high with a 23 foot long step, with water piped into the crater from the nearby mountains, overall the largest amphitheater could feasible hold up to 60,000 people and acoustical performance is allegedly phenomenal.
Today, not much has changed from it’s initial run of fame, it is now a minor tourist location one can visit for $14, and Local populations are utilizing the earthwork for Agriculture purposes. Unfortunately there is still not much information new archaeological data available to contradict initial claims. Still this is a wonderful example of the true engineering genius of the Indigenous American people.
