AND SPEAKING OF THE INCAS

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER INCA ORIGIN

DNA studies of the population of Peru confirm two myths about the origin of the Incas: that the empire was founded by two ancestors from Lake Titicaca and mountain caves near the Urubamba Valley, respectively. The Y chromosomes of the locals led scientists back to two men from those regions.

MUMMY SHOWS THE INCAS’ RELIGIOUS STRATEGY

In the lowlands of Peru near the coast, archaeologists have discovered a mummy, which dates back from centuries before the Incas conquered the region. The site also includes Inca shrines, and scientists consider it evidence that the Incas took over other people’s holy places to consolidate their empire.

ELONGATED HEADS WERE A SIGN OF WEALTH

As a sign of high status, the Collagua culture in southwestern Peru deformed the skulls of babies from wealthy families by binding. According to scientists, the status symbol helped the upper classes of the Collagua culture to become accepted as equals by the invading Incas.