Astronomy in the Inca Empire was a robust and fundamental practice. 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 elements of Inca civilization.
Astronomy was intricately woven into the very fabric of Andean existence
and daily life. Accordingly, the text takes a holistic approach to its
research, considering first and foremost the cultural context of each
astronomy-related site. The chapters necessarily start with a history of
the Incas from the beginning of their empire through the completion of
the conquest by Spain before diving into an astronomical and cultural
analysis of many of the huacas found in the heart of the Inca Empire.
Over 300 color images-original artwork and many photos captured during
the author's extensive field research in Machu Picchu, the Sacred
Valley, Cusco, and elsewhere-are included throughout the book, adding
visual insight to a rigorous examination of Inca astronomical sites and
history.