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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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Quick takeaways
- The Incan Empire utilized innovative methods like kipus for record-keeping, showcasing their advanced administrative abilities across vast territories.
- Archaeological discoveries in Peru reveal intricate burial practices that highlight ancient Peruvian cultures' beliefs about ancestral veneration and social identity.
Deep dives
The Enigma of the Incan Empire
The Incan Empire, notable for being the largest native empire in the Americas, spanned over two million square kilometers and was significant in terms of its administrative prowess. The empire's ability to maintain control over such a vast territory raises questions about their methods, particularly the use of a unique record-keeping device known as a kipu, which consisted of knotted strings to track populations and resources. The exhibition highlights not just their grandeur but also their innovative societal structures, showcasing artifacts such as the kipu to illustrate their complex civilization. The Incan legacy continues to intrigue historians, fueled by the mysteries of how they achieved such a feat without modern conveniences.
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