Jacek Kosciuk

University of Warsaw | UW

The aim of this text has been the evaluation of the hypotheses, formulated by various authors, on the possible astronomical function of seven structures and architectural ensembles located in the Llaqta of Machu Picchu and its immediate vicinity: the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Mortars, the cave of Intimachay, the Temple of Condor, the Intih...

Using the cosine quantogram method, the authors carry out a metrological study of Llaqta Machupicchu. The introduction presents a synthetic review of the literature and emphasises the reliability of the initial data for any metrological analysis. The presented research was based on the results of the 3D laser survey. In part presenting the research...

Against the background of basic information on airborne laser scanning (ALS) use in the detection of architectural and archaeological relics hidden under the forest cover, two cases of using LiDAR in research conducted in the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu are discussed. The obtained results are compared with selected examples of similar studi...

Against the background of general reflections on the Inca building art research, this chapter discusses four specific examples of constructions in the Machupicchu complex. Separate case studies concern the Intimachay astronomical observatory, the Mirador de Inkaraqay serving the same function, the enclosure wall separating agricultural terraces fro...

Besides the well-recognized central part, the National Archaeological Park of achupicchu encompasses approximately 60 lesser-known sites. Chachabamba and Inkaraqay are two examples. When using traditional field prospection on steep slopes covered by rainforest, it is challenging to detect traces of anthropogenic structures. A method that could help...

The Torreón is one of the most emblematic buildings of Machu Picchu. Since 1929, different archaeoastronomical studies have been carried out on this building to verify its function as an astronomical observatory. The authors of the present text analyse in detail these hypotheses using a thorough survey of the structure created from 3D scans and dig...

This article presents the results of a survey regarding architects' expectations towards software for automated floor plan generation (AFPG) and optimisation processes in architectural design. More than 150 practising architects from Poland and abroad took part in the survey. Survey results were then extracted, ordered and interpreted with the use...

El Fuerte de Samaipata is a pre-Hispanic archaeological site in Bolivia that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its main part – the rock – is densely covered with a complex arrangement of terraces, platforms, water reservoirs, channels, and petroglyphs. The rapidly progressing erosion of the rock is making the petroglyphs less and less cle...

The El Fuerte de Samaipata site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List presents a pre-Columbian, multicultural history on the surface of a big sandstone rock. There are several ways of creating precise, high-resolution documentation of this rock, including classic geodetic surveys, modern high-definition surveying (terrestrial laser scanning),...

Coricancha (Qurikancha, Qorikancha) was the most important temple in Cuzco, the capital of Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire. The Spanish Conquistadores had the opportunity to see her, and her legendary richness, in November 1533, after entering Cuzco. Coricancha was the place to worship the most sacred effigies of the Inca cult, including the figure o...

The Samaipata or, more specifically, the Fuerte de Samaipata is a pre-Spanish archaeological site in Bolivia (since 1998 on the UNESCO World Heritage List). The main feature of the site is a natural rock which served as wak'a (a sacred place). Despite the strong dominance of the Incaic character, the site is multicultural and its origins date back...

This article is dedicated to a special category of structures that may be called “astronomical instruments”, constructed in the Inca Empire (ca. 14-16 c. AD). As mentioned in some sources, these were intended for use by a small group of priests-astronomers. A good example is Intimachay in Machu Picchu, which was recently re-designated as an astrono...

The paper proposes the use of optimization algorithms in research on the organic development of an early medieval settlement in Abu Mînâ (Egypt). On the basis of the reconstructed number of inhabitants in individual building complexes, three hypotheses regarding their interaction with a group of stores and workshops that was created in a specific l...

El Fuerte de Samaipata to prehiszpańskie stanowisko archeologiczne położone w Boliwii na wschodnich stokach Kordyliery Wschodniej i w roku 1998 wpisane na listę Dziedzictwa Światowego UNESCO. Jego najważniejszą część stanowi naturalna skała (ca. 215 x 70 m) pokryta skomplikowanym układem petroglifów przedstawiających zwierzęta, różne formy geometry...

This paper aims to characterize historical mortars taken from joints in Loom Factory site at Abydos Sohag (Egypt). This characterization includes their composition and technology, their state of preservation as well as provides a guide for their possible conservation process. A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted for investigations. Samples...

Using our own experience in 3D analysis, the authors will demonstrate the possibilities of 3D crime scene and event reconstruction in cases where originally collected material evidence is largely insufficient. The necessity to repeat forensic evaluation is often down to the emergence of new facts in the course of case proceedings. Even in cases whe...

This paper aims to characterize lime based-binding mortars originating from ruins of industrial workshop associated with Anba Bishoi monastery near Sohag (Egypt) in respect to their possible conservation process. The ruins of the industrial part of this monastic compound are still neglected, while care has been given only to the church. Representat...

So far, scientists have not investigated thoroughly if and for what purpose the Incas observed the Moon. As far as the orientation of architectural structures is concerned, the researchers focus their attention almost entirely on the position of the Sun. However, a more accurate analysis of two well-known sites – the caves of Intimachay and Cusillu...

The imperial calendar, which facilitated the coordinating of administrative, economic, and religious- ceremonial functions, played an important role in managing the Tawantinsuyu or Inca Empire. A means of observing celestial bodies, primarily the Sun and Moon, was necessary for the practical operation of this empire. This article is dedicated to a...

The objective of the study was to present both the possibilities of documenting the course and results of crime scene reconstruction using 3D laser scanning technology and the legal basis for application of this technology in evidence collection. The authors present the advantages of the aforementioned method, such as precision, objectivity, resist...