ng symbolical
ornaments in relief, besides innumerable smaller rectangular and
symmetrically shaped stones rise on every hand, or lie scattered in
confusion over the plain."<42> In fact, all explorers are loud in their
praise of the beautifully cut stones found in the ruins.
Illustration of Terrace Wall, Tiahuanuco.------------
We have seen in our review how general has been the desire to raise
foundations, sometimes of great extent, on which to place buildings.
This is true of the ruins under consideration. Here the pyramid or
foundation was faced with stone work. In this illustration we have a
view of such a wall yet remaining in place. The labor expended on such
a wall was very great. We notice in the cut three large standing stones.
These are ranged along at regular intervals between. No mortar was used
in the construction of the wall. If we examine the large standing stone
carefully we will notice on the side a sort of projecting shoulder. The
stones of the wall that come in contact with this standing stone are cut
to fit this shoulder.
Illustration of Method of Joining Stone, Tiahuanuco.
The remaining stones in the wall were held in place by a peculiar
arrangement, illustrated in this cut. Round holes were drilled in the
bottom and top of each stone. There is reason to suppose that bronze
pins fitted into these holes. Furthermore, each stone was cut with
alternate grooves and projections, so as to fit immovably into each
other.
One case was observed where either the will has entirely disappeared,
or else it was left unfinished, and so we have a row of these standing
stones, as seen in this illustration. This has been called the American
Stonehenge name is inappropriate, because we have no reason to suppose
the plans of the builders of the two structures were at all similar.
Illustration of Pillars of Stone, Tiahuanuco.--------
The most celebrated feature of these ruins is the presence of huge
gateways, each one cut out of a solid mass of stone. We give a view of
the most noteworthy of these gateways. It is now broken, tradition
says, by a stroke of lightning.<43> The upper portion is covered with
carvings.
Illustration of Gateway, at Tiahuanuco.----------------
North of Tiahuanuco is Lake Titicaca. This was the sacred lake of the
Incas. We have already referred to the probable origin of this feeling.
Near the southern end of this lake, on the western side, is the
peninsula of Co
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