Machu Picchu, often written Machupijchu, is an ancient Inca ruin located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Cuzco, Peru, in the Andes Mountains' Cordillera de Vilcabamba. The city was inhabited from 1450 until 1540, when it was abandoned due to violence and disease within its borders. Today, Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Inca was a civilization that dominated most of South America during the early modern era, with their capital in today's Peru. They built many cities and towns throughout the region, including Machu Picchu. The Incas used Machu Picchu as their ceremonial center, where they held religious rites and administered justice. Although not recognized by any country, Machu Picchu has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1979. The site is especially important for its preservation of Peruvian culture with elements of both the Inca and later Spanish cultures. Machu Picchu is a unique place full of mysteries that have yet to be uncovered. However, what we do know about this amazing site suggests that it may have been used for ritual purposes among other things. It has been suggested that Machu Picchu was once the home of a powerful priest called "the Lord of Sipán".