Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century, but in 1532 the palaces, altars and houses were abandoned. Where did the inhabitants go? According to historians, Machu Picchu was home to the elite of the Inca Empire, and with the fall of the empire, the inhabitants simply left in search of a better life. According to popular belief, most of the population was sacrificed to the gods to save the empire, and the rest scattered in the valley. But there is no unequivocal answer.