Language: English

Live stream event
Hosted by Jimmy S.: Licensed Tour Guide in Peru

Key Points

• MACHU PICCHU WALK: Archaeoastronomy and the Sacred Science of the Incas
• Live Q&A
• Closed Captioning Available
• Contents suitable for children

Description

The Incas, the largest empire in South America, were one of the civilizations of ancient Peru that most cultivated astronomy. They were able to define the constellations, stars, the change of seasons, the agricultural calendar, and more.
The city of Machu Picchu, as well as other ancient citadels such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo, are geodesically aligned. Some of its most important buildings, such as the Intihuatana, represented astronomical calendars. Until today, it is possible to see these buildings during a visit to Cusco and Machu Picchu.
The Incas had a polytheistic religion. Their main gods were elements of the universe, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars. The Inca emperor was considered the son of the sun. Other Inca gods included the earth, the mountains, the lagoon, lightning, rivers, and other elements of nature.
For them, the world was divided into three realms: the world above or of the gods (Hanan pacha), the earthly world or of the living (Kay pacha), and the lower world or of the dead (Uku pacha).
Astronomical observatories were located in temples and on top of mountains. Being close to the sky allowed the Incas to have a better view of the heavens and, at the same time, to be near their main gods: the sun, the moon, the stars, and the mountains.
For astronomical observation, whether for religious or agricultural purposes, the Incas used sundials (Intihuatana), water mirrors, and viewpoints at the tops of the mountains, among other tools.
Come to discover together the Incas’ astronomical knowledge in Machu Picchu!