Surveying a vast, ancient empire, this authoritative volume, illustrated with over 180 photographs, gives an account of what is known of the rise of the Incas and examines their politics, economics and religion, art and technology. Following the Inca roads, the authors travel the length and breadth of the empire and reconstruct the cities, especially Cusco, in their heyday. Finally, they describe the arrival of the Spaniards and the Incas’ demise.