The Incas and Their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru [Paperback]

Michael E. Moseley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0500277230 | ISBN-13: 978-0500277232 | Publication Date: August 1993

In 1532, when Pizarro conquered Peru, the Inca realm was one of the largest empires on earth, rivalling that of Ming China or the Ottoman Turks. But this glittering culture only obscured the rich and diverse civilizations that had preceded it: Chavin, Moche, Nazca, Tiwanaku, Huari and Chimu. More research into this heritage has been conducted during the last generation than ever before. This book presents a major synthesis of these new findings, a survey of the great South American civilizations, of equal fascination for student, scholar or traveller.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...extraordinary saga of the Incas and the prehistoric Andean culture upon which they built are admirably described ....a masterly study. -- New Scientist

A book that will appeal to scholars, students, and travelers alike. -- Choice

An outstanding volume that provides a comprehensive and coherent introduction....well-written and beautifully illustrated ....filled with ideas. -- Hispanic American Historical Review --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Michael E. Moseley is Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Paleo-Environmental Studies at the University of Florida. He has conducted extensive fieldwork on the pre-Columbian sites of Peru and is the author of many books and studies on the subject. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500277230
• ISBN-13: 978-0500277232
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,489,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Peru Incas reference book, May 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Incas and Their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru (Paperback)

The Incas and Their Ancestors has a textbook feel and is a good aid to research on the culture. The book is structured around the various periods of history and addresses art, survival, lifestyle and the design of structures and communities. The book is primarily enhanced with black and white photos of Inca art and drawings, although some color photos are included with the book. Drawings of the layouts of communities are helpful for research projects, but would have benefitted from being larger. Bought as a reference book for a school project, it will clearly meet the need, but it is not likely to be picked up for any casual reading!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource, May 14, 2002

By 

AK "ak6" (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Incas and Their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru (Revised Edition) (Paperback)

I use this book a great deal as a resource for research on ancient Peru. Although this book is not "made pretty" with lots of color photographs and has a textbook feel, it does contain a wealth of information and scholarship. It is a must read for anyone wanting to learn about the ancient cultures of Peru in depth.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ancestors more advanced than the Incas, January 31, 2001

By 

Michael White & Clara Bravo (Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Incas and Their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru (Paperback)

It is a shame that THE INCAS has to be stressed to sell a book that is so good on their ancestors. In North Peru, for example, the Moche left a wealth of advanced (& colorful) information & technology skills of which Peru does not take advantage, especially in terms of tourism. See unitru.edu.pe/arq for the cultures of North Peru. We await the revised edition. Michael White & Clara Bravo, Trujillo Peru Tour Guides.