Includes bibliographical references (pages 187-196) and index.
Contents:
The past in the present. Expansion: myth, history and archaeology -- Authority, religion and ideology -- Technology and architecture -- Feeding an empire -- Inca political power -- Crisis, pandemic and collapse -- The past in the present.
Summary:
In their heyday the Inca ruled over the largest land empire in the Americas, reaching the pinnacle of South American civilization. Known as the 'Romans of the Americas', these fabulous engineers converted the vertiginous, challenging landscapes of the Andes into a fertile region able to feed millions, alongside building royal estates such as Machu Picchu and a 40,000-kilometre road network crisscrossed by elegant braided-rope suspension bridges. Beautifully illustrated, this book examines the mythical origins and history of the Inca, as well as their economy, society, technology and beliefs. Kevin Lane reconsiders previous theories while proposing new interpretations concerning the timeline of Inca expansion, their political organization and the role of women in their society, while showcasing how their legacy endures today.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.