Opening with a survey of the geography and climate of the region, this book looks at the pre-Inca cultures and the myths and historical reality of their rise to power. The complex and well-organized political and social structure of the Inca empire is examined in detail, followed by an examination of their ideas and religion, arts and sciences, and a window on to every-day life for an Inca family. The book concludes with a description of the Spanish conquest and the Inca legacy for Peru today. It is part of a series of comprehensive reference works providing a look at the way of life, beliefs and achievements of the ancient cultures. The emphasis is on primary resource material, both textual and illustrative.