12. The Inca - Cities in the Cloud

High up on the craggy peaks of the Urubamba Canyon, a lost city lies wreathed in cloud...

In this episode, we explore the mountains of the Andes, and tell the story of the Inca Empire. Find out how these mountain people built the largest empire in the Western Hemipshere, in one of the toughest terrains on earth. With Inca poetry, Quechuan hymns and authentic Andean instruments, discover the unique culture of the Inca. And find out what happened to bring their society crashing down around them.

Sound engineering: Thomas Ntinas & Alexey Sibikin

Voice actors:

Annie Kelly
Jamie Tanner
Gerald Condlin
Lachlan Lucas
Peter Walters
Jimmy Lai

Also heard: “Andean illusion” by Kanti Quena (Carlos Saldana) and
"Ollantay" by Leandro Alviña.
Kanti Quena (Carlos Saldana): Quena, Quenacho, Tarkas, Bombo, Charango
Phaxsi Coca (Jeanettte Rojas): Siku Malta, Siku Zanka, Jach'a Siku, Bombo, Chajchas
Ana Maria Ramirez Bautista: Quena
Maya McCourt: Cello
Pavlos Kapralos: Chajchas, Palo de Lluvia

Title Theme: "Home at Last" by John Bartmann

[everblessedcrew]

Who else fell asleep and woke up to this ?

[NRH]

You make overnight shifts go by in an instant, thank you sir

[callofyourbooty]

Yay!!! Now I can spend the rest of the week trying to listen to this as I fall asleep, and then have to find the last part I remember hearing before dozing off 😂😂😂

[mynamedoesntmatter]

I started using these to wind down and sleep to. Thank you!


I’ve not slept in days 😳.

[TheMeritCoba]

Thank you for all these great podcast. I actually listen to them several times, not only because of the huge amount of information, but also because it is relaxing.

[ALifeWellSteved]

Finally! An Inca empire documentary on YT that never mentions aliens!

[smallbeginning]

I love how you'll use the same kinda obscure word repeatedly in the same podcast. Today's is 'craggy'. Love it.

[zacharystrong]

I listen to these almost every night. Learn some things for about an hour then drift off to sleep. Voice is so calming

[WatchesuSleep]

Always a pleasure to see you pop-up in the inbox! Work became slightly more bearable today.

[jillw]

Today's my day off. Listening while I clean my house. 😊
Thank you for taking me to the Empire of the Inca.

[catch.]

Hearing the Quechua like my granny spoke is great. Thank you for covering my ancestors, and thanks from all the Huancavilca.

[GraveyardTricks]

I didn't think there'd be more. Can't wait for the video version

[poopityscooper]

I fell asleep with youtube on and this popped up. Helped me lucid dream.

[oddviews]

I love 3 hour operas - same as "Fall of Civilisations", that brings music to my ears!

[kellyamaya]

I love finding the comments full of people just as excited for these podcasts as I am. Huzzah!

[gripeotheday]

I’ve hiked the Inca Trail going up into arid mountain and then down into the jungle. We made it to the Sun Gate at dawn and then watched the clouds briefly clear to reveal Machu Pichu in the valley below. I explored Machu Pichu that afternoon taking no photos save for a booklet of sketches (which I lost that same year). It’s the cleanest air I’ve ever breathed and felt like being on a different planet.

[nathan]

I love listening to these on my walks. I also love listening to these when I go to sleep, always gives me cool dreams. Furthermore, these make me love history and make me want to learn more.

[miguelfernandes]

I asked about a podcast from my Inca ancestors a few months back and got my New Years gift of listening to you at work!!!! THANK YOU!!!! Making my donation when I get home tonight! Thanks again!!!

[BURNINGAFROBEATS]

Whoever you are who can't sleep tonight, is tired or sad, believe that there will be tomorrow that will light up your beautiful days.

You just need to endure a little more, a little more, and a little more ...

Thank you for being patient, thank you for being able to survive. And as you read this, promise yourself that you will be able to get through your toughest days in the future.

Promise to keep smiling, no matter how you are ...

You deserve to be happy :)

[jiriblaha]

These podcasts make you feel what it is to be human and connected to our common past, full of grandeur and sorrow. It gives me shivers..