One influential hypothesis: Moray was used for agricultural experimentation or crop acclimatization
Claim about Moray (Inca Terraces) · Stance: supporting
A common interpretation frames Moray as an Inca ‘agricultural laboratory’ or acclimatization station, using microclimates to test crops across simulated altitudes before broader deployment.
Site
- Moray (Inca Terraces) Maras, Cusco, Peru
Evidence for and against
- Government-hosted synthesis referencing microclimate and terrace agriculture (MINAM PDF)
Other claims about Moray (Inca Terraces)
- Moray is a complex of large circular terraced depressions attributed to the Inca period
- The terraced depressions produce measurable microclimates (temperature gradients)
- Alternative disputed hypothesis: the terraces were built by modifying pre-existing natural depressions
- Popular sensational narratives (e.g., ‘alien landing site’) are not supported by mainstream archaeological/engineering sources
- Moray makes most sense when viewed as part of a broader Inca landscape (Maras, salt pans, Cusco route network)