NOVA Season 34 Episode 18 The Great Inca Rebellion

In NOVA season 34 episode 18, titled "The Great Inca Rebellion," viewers are taken back in time to the 16th century when the Inca empire was at the peak of its power. The episode delves into the factors that led to the downfall of this great civilization and the rebellion that it ignited.

The documentary explores the intricate political and economic systems that made the Inca empire thrive. Through interviews with historians and archaeologists, viewers get a glimpse into the Inca's agricultural practices, road systems, and administration structures that allowed the empire to flourish.

However, not all was well within the vast territory ruled by the Incas. The episode highlights the tensions among the different regions under Inca control, as well as the challenges of maintaining a centralized power structure. We learn about the complex relationships between the Inca rulers, the high priests, and the local elites, and how these power dynamics set the stage for rebellion.

The main focus of the episode is on the rebellion of the Inca nobleman Manco Inca and its impact on the empire. We get a detailed look at Manco's family background, his early years, and his ascension to the throne. The episode then traces Manco's trajectory as he attempted to assert his authority over the empire and challenge the Spanish colonizers.

NOVA uses stunning recreations and expert commentary to show the key battles of the rebellion, including the famous siege of the city of Cusco. The episode also highlights the sparring between Manco, his supporters, and various Spanish factions. Through primary documents and archaeological artifacts, viewers learn how Manco attempted to reassert control over a fractious and splintered empire and why this rebellion was different from others they had experienced.

The final part of the episode showcases the legacy of the Great Inca Rebellion and what it reveals about the Inca empire's strengths and weaknesses. We see how the Conquest of Peru by the Spanish reshaped the empire's culture, economy, and politics, as well as how the effect of the colonisation continues until today. We also get a sense of how the empire's decline led to the rise of other cultures that flourished in Peru and still exist to this day.

Overall, NOVA season 34 episode 18 provides an in-depth analysis of one of the most critical moments in the Inca empire's history, and the human story behind it. The episode is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Peru, the pre-Columbian Americas, and the nature of power and rebellion. It offers an insightful perspective on a historical event that continues to shape the lives of people in Peru and beyond.