Big Ideas Rituals, rats, and reeded vertebrae! The mysteries of Machu Picchu and Ancient Peru revealed
May 7, 2025
Join Kris Helgen, a mammologist and the soon-to-be president of the Bishop Museum, and Jacob Bongers, an archaeologist from the University of Sydney, as they dive into the mysteries of Machu Picchu and ancient Peru. They discuss the sophisticated Incan civilization and its unique burial practices, highlighting the significance of rituals in connecting the living with the dead. Fascinating discoveries, including the recently identified Olingito and the impact of the Spanish conquest, reveal the rich tapestry of life in ancient Peru.
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Inca Empire's Vast Reach
- The Inca Empire was vast, covering at least two million square kilometers.
- They used a unique knotted string system, the kipu, for record-keeping of populations and goods.
Australia and South America Connection
- South America and Australia share a common Gondwana origin.
- Fossils like the platypus in Patagonia show ancient biogeographical ties.
Peru's Unique Environmental Diversity
- Peru's landscape ranges from the towering Andes to the rich Amazon basin and arid coastal deserts.
- This environmental diversity contributes to Peru's extraordinary biodiversity and cultural complexity.