A new study led by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, has found that Machu Picchu was not just a palace for the Inca emperor and his entourage, as previously thought, but also home to a diverse group of people, including women and children.

The study, which was published in the journal Nature Communications, analyzed the DNA of 26 individuals who lived at Machu Picchu between 1450 and 1572 AD. The results showed that the population was much more diverse than previously thought, with individuals coming from a variety of ethnic groups, including the Inca, Quechua, and Aymara.

"This study provides new insights into the social and economic organization of Machu Picchu," said study lead author Anna-Sapfo Malliari. "It shows that the site was not just a royal retreat, but also a thriving community that included people from all walks of life."

The study also found that the people of Machu Picchu had a diet that was rich in maize, potatoes, and quinoa, and that they also consumed meat from llamas, alpacas, and deer.

"This study provides a wealth of new information about the people who lived at Machu Picchu," said study co-author Ricardo Fujita. "It helps us to better understand how this iconic site functioned and how it played a role in the Inca Empire."

The study is the latest in a series of research projects that have been conducted at Machu Picchu in recent years. These projects have helped to shed new light on the history of this enigmatic site and the people who lived there.