The rise and fall of the Inca Empire - Gordon McEwan

It was the western hemisphere's largest empire ever, with a population of nearly 10 million subjects. Yet within 100 years of its rise in the fifteenth century, the Inca Empire would be no more. What happened? Gordon McEwan details the rise and fall of the Inca Empire.

Lesson by Gordon McEwan, directed by TED-Ed.

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[dangabopopat]

As a Peruvian citizen, I am greatly surprised and thankful for the video. The animation greatly resembles some of Inca designs. Even though lots of corrections can be made (i.e. most of the great expansion was due to the annexations of previous cities and kingdoms with all of their infrastructure remaining intact), the fact that the Inca empire, from which I am a blessed descendent, is still of scientific interest to the world, is touching.

[Showmetheevidence-]

Imagine seeing a horse for the first time, ridden by some foreigner.
That must have been mind blowing.

[Zantsui]

It’s interesting to think about what might have been had the Incas been given the same amount of time as the Roman or Egyptian empires

[TheAutobotPower]

Then, everything changed when the spanish nation attacked.

[cshaffer]

Peru is such an interesting place with a rich history. Just around Lima you can find old colonial building still used and even archaeological sites of the Incans. Very different that most of latin america, unique

[nemesis]

The fall of the Inca and the Aztec are the greatest forgotten tragedies of human history

[rishi_d_mango]

It is unfortunate how European invasions in the past resulted not just in the death of millions, but also in the loss of culture and heritage. A civilization over 500 years back still mystifies us...

[sevenaries]

Inca: We have finally created a great empire!
The Spanish: Nice place.

[pedroluisvn]

I am from Peru and this makes me feel complete

[robinalonso]

as a peruvian, it' s sad to find that, despite having this part of our history tought at schools, not many people see the past and feel pride about it. Racism and the lack of interest around this topic results in oblivion.

[bestuan]

Inca empire: starts growing
Spain: allow us to introduce ourselves

[ckarenaraujoh.]

I'm Peruvian and this is really very precise, but there is also another myth about the origin of the Incas, the best known is that Manco Capac and his sister-wife Mama Ocllo, came from Lake Titicaca and were sent by the Sun God (Inti) to found a capital with the spear. Also the complete legend of the four brothers is pretty awesome: one turned into a bird (condor) and another into stone, and finally Manco Capac arrives in Cuzco with his four sisters.
And we pronounce it Pachacútec.
And the Spaniards killed Atahualpa after making him believe he would survive if he gave them a room full of gold as high as his hand could reach it.
And now my country is ruined, I think it's because after many rebellions, many good, skilled and brave people died and only leave us with the worst. And now the only good things are food and landscapes :D and culture. If you ever come to visit, watch your cell phones! And go to another place that is not only Machu Picchu, that is, go there, but also go to Paracas, Huancayo, Tarapoto, Puno, Tacna (Máncora) :D
Have a good day!

[danielaastete]

I'm from Peru and I'm so happy that Ted Ed has included this story in their channel! The animation was mind blowing and narration so clear. Would be great to watch about sipan or caral. Thank you Ted

[thehermit]

For some reason i find the animation adorable in a child-like way. Feels like im watching a pop-up book

[burakurgancoglu]

In fact, the Spanish never found Machu Pichu, thankfully.

[bahmaniaryou]

Dear TED-ed, can you guys make a video of Majapahit kingdom? the lack of story telling in Indonesia make this incredible story unheard.

[Eugeniadella]

BEAUTIFUL!!!! I live in Bolivia and really appreciate how you have emphasized the amazing craftmanship of the Andean people by using a knitted background.

[arghyachakraborty]

This animation is insanely brilliant! The lesson? Amazing as always. ❤️

[joangang]

im from ecuador (one of the territories of the inca empire), and i was so excited about this lesson, after watching the video i can say: i'm not disappointed. even though, i would like them to also include the communication system «the chasquis». but over all, everything was really nice. A wonderful video (as always).

[isellseagullsfordollar]

“I have brought security, infrastructure and sustenances to my new Empire.”
“Your new empire?”