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The Inca: Masters of the Clouds

Season 1
Archaeologist Dr Jago Cooper explores the origins, history, achievements and nature of ancient South America’s Inca Empire. Traveling from the highlands of Ecuador to the peaks of the Andes, he reveals how their mighty civilization was established, how they mastered their landscape to produce food for millions, and how a brutal civil war and pandemics led to their ultimate destruction.
20152 episodesTV-PG
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Foundations

    January 7, 2015
    59min
    7+
    Venturing from the coast to the clouds, Dr Jago Cooper investigates how the Inca conquered and developed one of the most challenging landscapes in the world to feed millions and created sophisticated systems of communication. This fascinating history documentary explores how varied independent societies became a commanding empire, not through force, but by using subtle methods of persuasion.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  2. S1 E2 - Clash of Empires

    January 14, 2015
    59min
    TV-PG
    Traveling from Peru to the far north of Inca territory in Ecuador, Dr Jago Cooper reveals how the great strengths of the empire suddenly became factors in its rapid demise. He argues that it wasn't simply a clash of arms that destroyed the civilization but a clash of worldviews. The Incas may be gone, but what can their legacy teach modern societies today?
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Cast

Jago Cooper

Studio

IWC
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