The Mythology And Religion Of The Inca

*Includes pictures *Explains Inca mythology and religious practices, including human sacrifices *Includes footnotes and a bibliography for further reading During the Age of Exploration, Native American tribes fell victim to European conquerors seeking legendary cities made of gold and other riches, attempts that were often being made in vain. And yet, of all the empires that were conquered across the continent, the one that continues to be most intimately associated with legends of gold and hidden riches is the Inca Empire. The Inca Empire, which flourished in modern day Peru and along the west coast of South America, was the largest Native American empire in pre-Columbian America until Pizarro and the Spanish conquistadors conquered them in the 16th century. What ultimately sealed their doom was the rumor that huge amounts of gold were available in regions south of the Andes Mountains. Though the Spanish physically conquered them in quick fashion, the culture and legacy of the Inca Empire has continued to endure throughout the centuries in both Europe and South America, due in no small part to the fact they were one of the most advanced and sophisticated cultures on the continent. Like the Aztecs, the Spanish burned much of the Inca's extant writings, but it is estimated that as many as 35 million people once fell under their banner, and the empire's administrative skills were so sharp that they kept accurate census records. Their religion, organization, and laws were also effectively centralized and tied to the rulers of the empire, and their military mobilization would have made the ancient Spartans proud. After the Spanish conquest, several rebellions in the area attempted to reestablish the proud Inca Empire over the next two centuries, all while famous Europeans like Voltaire glorified the Inca Empire in optimistic artistic portrayals. The Mythology and Religion of the Inca examines the history and legacy of the religion practiced by the famous Incan empire. Along with pictures and a bibliography, you will learn about the Inca's religion and mythology like you never have before, in no time at all.

This book is dedicated to exploring the gods and goddesses that the Incas on the American continent worshiped, and within the pages you will find subtopics like: Historical background of the Inca empire before the colonists arrived. The myths about creation, death, procreation, and more. Strange gods and goddesses they worshipped, sometimes in brutal, macabre ways. The polytheist Inca religion. Child sacrifices and inhumane rituals as part of idol worship. Typical elements that made up the Inca civilization. Inca mythology is intricate, complex, and the ideals behind their mythological beliefs were often intertwined with real life events. This book will examine how both myth and fact contributed to the culture and traditions of the Inca, and how these influences and some stories continue to live on throughout the centuries. Add this book to cart now.

In this authoritative account of the religion of ancient Andean peoples, the Incas, Nazca, Tiwanaku, Chimu and many others, every aspect of their sacred world view in spiritual and daily life is explored. Magnificently illustrated throughout, this is an intriguing and accessible guide to their gods, goddesses, deities and spiritual beings.

In this authoritative account of the religion of ancient Andean peoples, the Incas, Nazca, Tiwanaku, Chimu and many others, every aspect of their sacred world view in spiritual and daily life is explored. Magnificently illustrated throughout, this is an intriguing and accessible guide to their gods, goddesses, deities and spiritual beings.

"An English translation of a sixteenth-century Spanish manuscript, by an Inca Jesuit, about Inca religion and the spread of Christianity in colonial Peru. Includes an introductory essay"--Provided by publisher.

Sharing many common beliefs, deities, and rituals, the religion of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca was rooted in both the earth and the sky, the rhythms of the seasons, and the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. Readers will meet rain and sun gods, corn gods and fertility gods, earth mothers who are both creators and destroyers, and even a feathered serpent. Lavish primary-source images of arts and artifacts are paired with text that is both information-packed and enthralling. Readers who enter this pantheon are in for an awe-inspiring cultural journey through the divine mysteries of time and space.

The first introduction to the Incas and their myths aimed at students and general readers, bringing together a wealth of information into one convenient resource. Full of hard to find information, Handbook of Inca Mythology provides an accessible introduction to the rites, beliefs, and spiritual tales of the Incas. It provides a concise overview of Incan civilization and mythology, a chronology of mythic and historical events, and an A–Z inventory of central themes (sacrifice, fertility, competition, reversaldualism, colors, constellations, giants, and miniatures), personages (Viracocha, Manco Capac, Pachackuti Inca), locations (Lake Titicaca, Corickancha), rituals, and icons. The last Native American culture to develop free of European influence, the Incas, who had no written language, are known only from Spanish accounts written after the conquest and archaeological finds. From these fragments, a vanished world has been reborn and reintroduced into modern Andean life. There is no better way into that world and its mind-bending mythology than this unique handbook.

Introduces the religious and mythological beliefs of the Incas, including their gods, heroes, and basic legends.