Catalog Search Results
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 19
Language
English
Description
In charting the rise of Inca civilization, follow the pivotal reign of Pachacuti, the 9th Inca, whose vision to unify the Andes led to large-scale conquest. Learn how his heir, Tupac, doubled the imperial territories, and how the empire was ultimately torn apart by civil war and disease.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 6
Language
English
Description
With the waning of Chavín's culture, striking new elements appear in the region's archaeological record. Here, encounter the Salinar culture, a new settlement pattern showing no ceremonial architecture and the first 'elite' housing. Examine the evidence of defensive citadels and what may have triggered warfare and emerging social hierarchy.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 3
Language
English
Description
The earliest evidence of humans in the Americas comes not from North America, but from Chile. Investigate the important Monte Verde site and its view into everyday life 15,000 years ago. Learn also about 'Quilcas' cave art, the astonishing Chinchorro mummies (predating Egypt's), and evidence of early agriculture and trade at Huaca Prieta.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 1
Language
English
Description
Consider the remarkable evidence for South America as one of the true wellsprings of human civilization. Grasp the diversity of early South American cultures, from the Andean civilizations to the desert and Amazon regions; what these cultures shared; and their extraordinary innovations in agriculture, architecture, handcrafts, social organization, and religion.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 2
Language
English
Description
The first cities in the Americas date to 3000 B.C. Investigate the means of subsistence of coastal and inland valley cities, and evidence for trade in marine and agricultural products. Learn about the sites of Kotosh, El Paraiso, and Caral and their striking features of architecture, including plazas, pyramids, and solar observatories.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 12
Language
English
Description
Lake Titicaca is the site of one of South America's most impressive civilizations. Discover the huge urban complex of Tiwanaku and its cultural connections to Chavín de Huantar. Explore Tiwanaku's mysterious architecture and its 'raised field' agriculture, an engineering feat that allowed for the support of a large population.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 18
Language
English
Description
The city of Cuzco stands as the supreme achievement in architecture and aesthetics of pre-Columbian South America. Study the city's astounding features, such as its hydraulic engineering, anti-seismic construction, and its perfectly fitting stonework that defies explanation. Learn also about the culture of ancestral mummies, the golden Coricancha temple, and other architectural marvels.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 4
Language
English
Description
Observe pivotal changes in northern Peruvian societies in 1800-900 B.C., such as the architectural styles of the southern and northern valleys, which indicate the rise of a state identity. Note the area's earliest evidence of metallurgy and weaving, and stone sculptures reflecting the first warlike violence seen in South America.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 23
Language
English
Description
In one of history's most unusual incidents, the Inca Empire was defeated by a Spanish force of 168 men. Study the events surrounding the capture and demise of Atahualpa (the last true Inca ruler), the destructive conquest by Francisco Pizarro, and the following struggle within the empire against Spanish rule.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 8
Language
English
Description
The Nazca are yet another South American people of striking accomplishments. Learn about their remarkable irrigation system of underground aquifers, aqueducts, and wells, and their fine polychrome pottery and textiles. Penetrate the mystery of the 'Nazca Lines,' massive geoglyphs scratched into the earth, which may be the result of ritual pilgrimage.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 21
Language
English
Description
The Inca used a complex system of records encoded on knotted strings. Study what is known of the khipu, starting with Spanish accounts of their use and the 'khipucamayuq' who recorded and read them. Learn how numbers were encoded, and review evidence suggesting that the khipu may contain a form of writing.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 9
Language
English
Description
In the first of three episodes on the Andean Moche culture, chart this civilization's outstanding features. Discover the immense pyramids, adorned with brilliant color murals, road systems, and sophisticated art. Examine the evidence of extensive warfare, both in the art and in excavated weaponry and sacrificial victims.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 7
Language
English
Description
Investigate the fascinating Paracas tombs of the 1st millennium B.C., which contain richly adorned mummies, and grasp the significance of mummification. Study the elaborate iconography of Paracas textiles, the meaning of the supernatural beings they depict, and the practice of head hunting as a means to control the spirits of the dead.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 20
Language
English
Description
As a glimpse into how the empire functioned so effectively, learn about the Mit'a, a system of labor taxation, noting the services subjects provided to the empire and how they benefited in return. Grasp the Inca's ingenious technology of road building, suspension bridges, and freeze-drying vegetables, and how they eliminated hunger.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 22
Language
English
Description
The mountainside complex of Machu Picchu was a royal estate of Pachacuti, the 9th Inca. Walk the site, entering at the Sun Gate, and explore the causeways, terraces, and many rooms of undetermined function. Study the solar-aligned Torreon and other astronomical structures of the site, and their significance in Inca cosmology.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 17
Language
English
Description
Begin a study of the great Inca civilization by tracing the culture's origin myth, featuring a creator deity who made the cosmos and charged the Inca to found a kingdom in a fertile valley. Compare the mythology with archaeological evidence that suggests that the myths were based in part on historical truths.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 16
Language
English
Description
Contrasting with the Chimú, Sican civilization comprised a confederation of equal and independent city-states. Study the apparent Moche influence in Sican pyramid building, elaborate burial styles, and extensive human sacrifice. Observe the unique qualities of Sican art in the mastery of metallurgy and stunning ritual objects in ceramic, gold, and copper.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 15
Language
English
Description
This episode introduces a culture of warrior kings who became conquerors, second in influence only to the Inca. Learn about the Chimú's extraordinary royal citadels, urban organization, and intervalley irrigation technology. Investigate their subjugation of neighboring cultures, their imperial administration centers, and what may have motivated their conquest.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 5
Language
English
Description
The Peruvian site of Chavín marks the emergence of religion as the focus of public art. Study Chavín's distinctive architecture, with images of its characteristic 'fanged deity.' Learn about later religious iconography and artifacts at Chavín suggesting that it was the center of a cult that spread to other sites in the region.
Author
Series
Great Courses volume 24
Language
English
Description
The Andean civilizations have left a remarkable legacy in the modern world. Investigate the many ways in which contemporary peoples in South America maintain ancient ways of life, seen in agriculture, community organization, traditional lifestyles, and astronomical and religious observances, and contemplate what these practices mean in modern times.
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