Why was Machu Piccu abandoned?

Answer 1

There is not onedefinite answer as to why Machu Picchu was abandoned. But there are many theories surrounding its abandonment. Some theories state that it was due to Spanish invasion and wide spread disease however they found very few remains at the site that has any sign of disease at the time of death. Also the remains show no sign or warfare death, so this rules out the theory of the Spanish invasion. Other theories suggest that the cost of maintaining the citadel because of its isolated location to much. some other theories suggest that their gods told them to leave as it was now sacred land and to remain there would curse them. Also after the death of their ruler some theorists suggest that when a ruler died they had to abandon the city as it was custom but this theory does not hold much weight as remains show that after the death of the first ruler there were another 3 generations of successor's.

There seems to be no theory that is proven beyond doubt as to what caused the demise in the population of Machu Picchu as there is no written record. However we can (based on available evidence) draw the conclusion that two theories seem the most plausible. these are that they abandoned the city because of religious beliefs and orders from their gods or because the cost of maintaining the city grew to much.

Answer 2

It was attacked, sacked and burned by Toltec invaders during the 7th to 8th centuries.