The ancient civilization known for the city of Machu Picchu is the Inca Empire. This remarkable civilization thrived in South America, primarily in what is now Peru, from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Machu Picchu, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas," was built in the 15th century, likely as a royal estate or religious site. Its sophisticated dry-stone construction and strategic location in the Andes Mountains illustrate the Incas’ advanced engineering and agricultural skills. Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant symbol of Inca heritage.