Sons of the Sun God

Peru is a stunning country on the west coast of South America. However, this nation boasts not only beautiful, contrasting nature, but also a history stretching back thousands of years. Few countries on this planet have such a long and amazing past, and few have given the rest of the world so many useful crops, without which we could hardly imagine our lives today. The first civilisation of the ancient Peruvians began as early as three thousand years BC, while the famous Inca Empire was overthrown by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. In between lies a period when a distinctive culture and religion were formed, reaching their peak in the Inca Empire. This book is dedicated to its history, humble beginnings, the admirable cultural flourishing this nation achieved in less than a hundred years of its empire's existence, and its decline and unexpected demise after the invasion of European adventurers. The author draws on her knowledge of Inca culture, gained during nearly thirty years spent in Peru, including research at archaeological sites. She also incorporates the works of the most important authors who have studied the Incas, particularly over the last two decades. Across almost four hundred pages, she presents a rich and detailed picture of everyday life, secular, and religious culture across the different strata of Inca society.