Astronomy in the Inca Empire was a robust and fundamental practice by the time the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century. The subsequent Spanish conquest of the Andes region disrupted much of this indigenous culture and resulted in a significant loss of information about its rich history. Through modern archaeoastronomy, this book helps recover and interpret some of these forgotten elements of Inca civilization.For the Incas, astronomy was more than simply observing and understanding celestial movement—it was intricately woven into the very fabric of Andean existence and daily life. The text accordingly begins with a history of the Incas from the beginning of their empire through the completion of the conquest by Spain. It then covers the religion, mythology, cosmology, and culture of the Inca civilization, as well as that of huacas and the system of ceques developed around Cusco. This book helps readers understand how it was possible for an American-based civilization to independently develop such a complex astronomical system at the same time that famous figures like Nicolas Copernicus were carrying out their work overseas. Over 150 color photos—many captured during the author’s extensive field research in Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and elsewhere—are included throughout the book, providing an unparalleled, comprehensive guide to Inca astronomical sites and history.  weiterlesen