Ep 2. Living on the Edge

Extreme Archaeology is a thrilling television show that explores the mysteries of the past through the eyes of brave and intrepid explorers as they uncover ancient artifacts and forgotten civilizations in some of the world's most remote and dangerous locations.

Season one, episode two, titled "Living on the Edge," takes viewers on a journey to the high-altitude mountain regions of Peru, where archaeologists are studying the ancient Inca Empire. The episode follows a team of experts as they investigate the unique challenges that these high-altitude civilizations faced and how they adapted to survive.

The Inca Empire is famous for its incredible engineering feats, such as the stunning Machu Picchu ruins and the legendary Inca Trail. But the team is interested in uncovering the lesser-known stories of the common people who lived in the remote highlands of the Andes and survived in such harsh conditions.

The team begins their journey in the city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and home to some of the most impressive Inca ruins. From there, they head into the mountains, where they encounter steep, treacherous terrain and high-altitude conditions that can be challenging even for seasoned mountaineers.

Despite the risks, the team is determined to uncover the secrets of the Inca people who lived in these remote regions. They explore ancient burial sites, mines, and quarries, where they uncover evidence of the Inca's intricate understanding of engineering and mining techniques.

The episode also focuses on the unique challenges that these high-altitude civilizations faced, such as adapting to extreme weather conditions and keeping crops alive at high altitudes where traditional farming methods are impossible. To understand this aspect of Inca life, the team visits a modern-day high-altitude farming community, where they learn how the locals adapted to life at elevation and harvested crops like quinoa and potatoes.

As the team delves deeper into the Inca Empire's history, they reveal the stories of the forgotten people who lived on the edge of these remote mountain areas. They learn about the social and economic structures of the Inca, including how the empire was organized and how it was able to sustain such a vast and complex society in such remote regions.

Overall, "Living on the Edge" provides an informative and engaging look at the unique challenges that high-altitude civilizations faced and how they adapted to survive. The episode also highlights the incredible work that archaeologists are doing to uncover the secrets of these ancient cultures and the ways in which they have helped to shed new light on our understanding of human history.