when was machu picchu built

Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century, with modern radiocarbon dating placing its occupation roughly from around 1420 to 1530 AD. It is widely believed that the construction began during the rule of the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who reigned from 1438 to 1471. He likely ordered the building of Machu Picchu as a royal estate or retreat. The site was abandoned about a century later, probably due to the Spanish conquests. The construction features classical Inca architecture with finely crafted stone walls.