In Our Time

The Inca

Jun 13, 2019

Join Frank Meddens, a Visiting Scholar at the University of Reading, Helen Cowie, a Senior Lecturer in History at the University of York, and Bill Sillar from University College London as they unravel the fascinating world of the Inca Empire. They delve into how the Incas expanded from small groups into a powerful civilization, discussing their remarkable agricultural innovations and extensive road systems. The group also explores the logistical brilliance of the Inca communication, their cultural practices, and the dramatic effects of the Spanish conquest on their society.

52:49

Creator website

Episode guests

Bill Sillar

Helen Cowie

Frank Meddens

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Empire of the Andes: The Rise of the Inca Civilization

17min

The Ingenious Logistics of the Inca Empire

9min

Inca Empire Under Siege

14min

Economics and Culture of the Inca Civilization

6min

The Mysteries of Inca Communication: Understanding Kipu

2min

Exploring Inca Warfare and Resource Management

2min

Inca Conquest and Historical Controversies

2min

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss how the people of Cusco, in modern Peru, established an empire along the Andes down to the Pacific under their supreme leader Pachacuti. Before him, their control grew slowly from C13th and was at its peak after him when Pizarro arrived with his Conquistadors and captured their empire for Spain in 1533. The image, above, is of Machu Picchu which was built for emperor Pachacuti as an estate in C15th.

With

Frank Meddens Visiting Scholar at the University of Reading

Helen Cowie Senior Lecturer in History at the University of York

And

Bill Sillar Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology at University College London

Producer: Simon Tillotson

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