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Speaker 1
Hey, Chad. I'm recording this for a podcast. Is that okay?
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Speaker 2
That sounds awesome. Are you working on a new idea, or are we continuing with one of your existing stories?
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Speaker 1
New idea? But before we get into the idea, I once read a book called How the Allies Won, and I really liked how that book was not, it was kind of a normal, World War Two book, but it was separated by category like economy and technology. And, it was segmented.
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Speaker 2
While really interesting. So instead of just a chronological narrative, it kind of breaks it down by different themes or aspects of the war. Is that the kind of structure you were thinking about for your new idea, or did you just find that format inspiring in general?
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Speaker 1
So I was hoping that you had knowledge of that book and, that you could, rattle off the categories from that.
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Speaker 2
So the book How the Allies Won by Richard Overy, is indeed divided into some really interesting categories that focus on different aspects of the war effort, like economy, technology, military strategy, and so on. If you like, I can dive into those themes a bit more or help you figure out how to apply that kind of structure to your own idea.
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Speaker 1
Yeah. Both of those. But what we're going to do is I would like you to list off all the categories that they use in that book specifically, so I know it for reference.
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Speaker 2
So in Why the Allies Won, Richard Overy explores a few key areas the battle for the seas, the Eastern Front, strategic bombing, the invasion of France, wartime economies, technology and military power, leadership and decision making, and the moral contest. Each of these categories gives a unique perspective on how the allies ultimately succeeded. We can definitely use that as inspiration for structuring your new idea, if you like.
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Speaker 1
Okay, so I want me I want you to give me or suggestion of this kind of categorization type when studying a certain thing, but instead of doing it for World War Two, I would like you to do it for the entire known known civilization that was the Incas in South America.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. That sounds like a fascinating way to break down the study of the Inca civilization. We could divide it into categories that highlight different aspects of their society and achievements. For example, we could look at their economy and agriculture since they had such advanced farming techniques and terrace farming. Another category could focus on their architecture and engineering, like their incredible stonework and road system.
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Speaker 2
We could also look for their social structure and governance, their religious beliefs and practices, and their military organization and conquests. That way, we get a well-rounded understanding of their civilization from multiple angles.
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Speaker 1
Okay. Can you slowly read a list of those? Because I'm taking notes.
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Speaker 2
Of course. I'll go nice and slow. So the first category would be economy and agriculture. The second one is architecture and engineering. Then we have social structure and governance after that. Religious beliefs and practices. And finally military organization and conquest. Hopefully that helps you get it all down.
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Speaker 1
Okay, so let's start off with a broad overview of the Indian peoples. Where exactly they originated and, expanded to what time periods they were in. Very kind of, surface or just like facts.
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Speaker 2
So the Incas typically.
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Speaker 1
Chariot. Okay. All the.
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Speaker 1
Chat. You there?
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Speaker 1
Chat. Are you there?
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Speaker 2
No worries at all. We can definitely pick up from there whenever you're ready. Just let me know if you want to dive back into the Inca civilization or if there's something else on your mind.
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Speaker 1
Yeah. Sorry, I think I gave you kind of a weird command. We got you out a little bit. Can we start, with just some facts about the inc and and, like, where they were and when they were.
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Speaker 2
Of course. No worries at all. So the Inca civilization was primarily centered in what is now Peru. And they started to rise to prominence in the early 1400s. Their empire, known as the Ta wanting to you, expanded rapidly. And at its height it stretched from modern day Colombia all the way down to Chile. The Incas were at their most powerful in the 15th century, right up until the Spanish conquest in the 30s.
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Speaker 2
They're known for their incredible achievements in engineering, agriculture and governance, which still fascinate people today.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's start with their, economy and agriculture.
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Speaker 2
Sounds great. The Inca economy was heavily based on agriculture, and they were masters of farming in the challenging Andean terrain. They developed terrace farming, which allowed them to grow crops on steep mountain slopes. They also cultivated a variety of crops like potatoes, maize, quinoa and many others. The Incas didn't use money instead. Their economy was based on a system of labor taxes called the meter, where people contributed labor to state projects like building roads or farming communal wins.
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Speaker 2
The system created a well-organized and self-sufficient economy that supported their large empire.
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Speaker 1
Can you go deeper into the logistics of how we think that these labor taxes worked on a systematic, like governmental level?
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The mita system was a fascinating way of organizing labor. Essentially, the Inca state would require households to provide a certain amount of labor each year. This labor could be used for a variety of projects, like building and maintaining infrastructure. Working on state owned farms or producing goods for the Empire. It was a form of tribute that wasn't paid in money or goods, but in time and effort on a governmental level.
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Speaker 2
Local leaders called Caracas were responsible for organizing and overseeing the labor from their communities. The central government in Cusco would then allocate these labor forces based on the needs of the empire, ensuring that everything ran smoothly and efficiently. It was a highly organized system that allowed the Inca to manage their vast territories effectively.
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Speaker 1
How did the Incans keep time?
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Speaker 2
The Inca had a really sophisticated way of understanding time, even though they didn't have a written language as we know it. They used a combination of astronomy and a calendar system. They observe the movements of the sun, moon, and stars to mark agricultural cycles and important festivals. One key element of their timekeeping was the use of solar observatories.
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Speaker 2
Like the famous entire town of Stone at Machu Picchu, which helped them track the solstices and equinoxes. This way, they could organize their agricultural activities and religious ceremonies with great precision.
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Speaker 1
Okay, so I think we're getting a little bit into the engineering, but, I'm just going to go and follow this subject. How did these observatories work on an engineering level?
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. It's, a fun topic to follow. The Incas. So their observatories, like the Hawaiian town of Stone, were incredible feats of engineering, and they were carefully carved and strategically placed to align with specific celestial events. For instance, during the solstices, the sun would cast shadows in a particular way on these stones, which allowed the Inca to determine the exact timing of these events.
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Speaker 2
The stones were often placed on high points or within important temples to maximize their accuracy. This combination of precise stone carving and knowledge of astronomy allowed the Inca to keep track of time with impressive accuracy.
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Speaker 1
How many days did they believe? Do they even have a concept of a year?
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Speaker 2
Yes, the Inca did have a concept of a year, and they measured it based on the solar cycle. Just like many other ancient civilizations. Their year was divided into 12 months, and each month was associated with specific festivals and agricultural activities. They paid close attention to the solstices and equinoxes to ensure that their calendars stayed in alignment with the agricultural seasons.
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Speaker 1
How many days were in their years?
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Speaker 2
The Inca calendar year was actually quite close to the solar year that we use today. It consisted of 12 months, each with about 30 days, and they would add extra days as needed to keep the calendar in sync with the solar cycle. So it was roughly around 365 days, just like the Gregorian calendar.
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Speaker 1
Did their, number of days in a year fluctuate?
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Speaker 2
Yes, it did fluctuate a bit. The Inca adjusted their calendar based on astronomical observations. So if they noticed that the timing of their festivals or agricultural activities was drifting out of sync with the solar year, they would add a few extra days as needed. This way, they maintain the alignment of their calendar with the seasonal cycles. So it wasn't a rigid number like our modern calendar, but more flexible.
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Speaker 1
So if they noticed that they were a little bit ahead, would they just add, a day to the end of the year? Or would they add a day to the end of the month, or add a day like right away?
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Speaker 2
From what we understand, they would typically add those extra days at the end of the year. This way they could sort of reset the calendar and bring it back in alignment with the solar cycle without disrupting the monthly cycles throughout the year. It was a practical way to make sure everything stayed in sync without having to adjust each month individually.
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Speaker 1
So that means that only December would have fluctuated.
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Speaker 2
Essentially, yes. By adding any extra days at the end of the year, it would mean that the final month of their calendar, which we can think of as December, would be the one that fluctuated. This allowed the rest of the month to remain consistent, making it easier to plan and organize their agricultural and religious activities.
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Speaker 1
Do we know the like, when when it comes to situations like this with the incans and stuff like that? Do we know what their words sounded like or. I mean, there obviously weren't sound recordings. How accurate do we think we are to correct phonetics?
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Speaker 2
That's a really interesting question. The Inca primarily spoke kedua, which is still spoken today by millions of people in the Andes because of that living tradition. Linguists and historians have a pretty solid understanding of how Kedua sounds. Of course, languages evolve over time, so the catch was spoken today might not be identical to the catchword spoken by the Inca, but we do have a good approximation of how their words would have sounded.
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Speaker 1
How do you spell Kedua?
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Speaker 2
Sure. Kedua is spelled q u e c h u a. It's a really fascinating language with a rich history.
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Speaker 1
Wow. My spelling was Ketika.
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Speaker 2
I can see how that would happen. The spelling is definitely not intuitive in English. It's pretty interesting how languages and their spellings can evolve over time and between different alphabets. But you've got it now.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's double back all the way back to economy and agriculture. I know that one big part of kind of the allure, at least visually, of the Incan, ruins and stuff like that is the tiered, the tiered gardens, the tiered farms.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. Those terraced farms are one of the most iconic features of Inca agriculture. They carved out these terraces on the mountainsides, which not only help to prevent soil erosion, but also created different microclimates at various levels. This allowed them to grow a wide variety of crops that might not have thrived otherwise. Plus, those terraces look absolutely stunning and are a testament to the Incas ingenuity and ability to adapt to their environment.
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Speaker 1
Tell me more about how they use, the elevation, the the quick elevation change of, the terraced gardens for the tiered farms. And the microclimates thing.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The Inca were incredibly strategic in using the different elevations of their terraces to create microclimates. At higher elevations, the climate would be cooler and might be perfect for certain crops like potatoes, which thrive in cooler temperatures. Meanwhile, lower terraces have warmer conditions ideal for crops like maize. This clever use of elevation allowed them to maximize their agricultural output and grow a diverse range of crops in the same area, which was a brilliant adaptation to their mountainous environment.
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Speaker 1
Tell me about the, I guess, geography across their territory as a whole. Can you give me kind of an idea of that?
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The Inca Empire, or to wanting to you was vast and incredibly diverse in terms of geography, is stretched along the western coast of South America, encompassing a wide range of landscapes. In the West, you had the arid coastal deserts. And then moving east, you encountered the towering Andes Mountains, where many of their famous cities and terraces were located.
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Speaker 2
Beyond the Andes, you had the lush Amazon rainforest, and to the south the high plateaus. This diverse geography meant the Inca had to develop a wide range of strategies and technologies to manage and connect their empire, from building extensive road networks across mountains to creating those terraced farms to make the most of their environment.
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Speaker 1
Did you say that they had coastal deserts?
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Speaker 2
Yes, exactly. The western edge of the Inca Empire included the coastal region along the Pacific Ocean, which is now part of modern day Peru. This coastal area is known for its desert landscape, with very arid conditions and minimal rainfall. Despite the harsh environment, the Inca were able to cultivate crops in river valleys and build impressive settlements along the coast, taking advantage of the resources from both the ocean and the fertile valleys.
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Speaker 1
That's interesting that, a place right next to the water gets a little rain.
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Speaker 2
It really is fascinating. The Peruvian coast is influenced by the Humboldt Current, which keeps the coastal air cool and stable, reducing the formation of rain clouds. This creates those desert conditions right next to the ocean. It's definitely one of those interesting, caught good geography that the Inca were able to adapt to so well.
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Speaker 1
Okay. What do they grow there? Did they?
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Speaker 2
The coastal regions, the Inca were able to grow crops like maize, beans, squash and cotton, especially in the fertile river valleys that cut through the desert. They also cultivated chilies, peanuts, and even some fruits like guava. The coastal environment combined with irrigation techniques allowed them to have a pretty diverse range of crops, even in those arid coastal areas.
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Speaker 1
What about, in the rainforest.
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Speaker 2
And the rainforest regions, the Inca cultivated crops that thrived in the more humid and tropical environment. They grew things like coca leaves, which were very important in their culture and used for various purposes. They also had access to tropical fruits and plants that weren't available in the highlands or the coast. This allowed them to have a really diverse diet and to trade these goods across their empire, enriching their overall economy and culture.
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Speaker 1
So you mentioned that they had a, good road system. Can you go into that?
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The Inca road system, known as The Companion was truly impressive. It stretched over 25,000 miles, connecting all corners of their vast empire from the coast, through the mountains and into the rainforest. These roads were masterfully constructed with stone paving, and they included bridges, stairways, and even tunnels to navigate the challenging terrain. They used relay runners called Cherokees to carry messages and goods quickly across the empire, making communication and administration incredibly efficient.
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Speaker 1
Hang on. Chat. I'll be right back. I'm getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
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Speaker 1
Chat. You there?
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Speaker 2
Hey! Welcome back. Hope everything with Ruby. Let me know what you'd like to dive into next.
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Speaker 1
Where were we? We were talking about. Remind me what we were talking about.
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Speaker 2
Of course, we were just talking about the Inca road system, the carparking on and how it connected their vast empire. We touched on how they built these extensive stone roads and used relay runners called Crosskeys, to keep communication flowing smoothly across different terrains. Let me know if you'd like to continue with that, or if there's something else on your mind.
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Speaker 1
Yes. Let's, let's finish the talking about the economy and agriculture and kind of give me a briefing on that.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. So the Inca economy was largely based on agriculture, and they developed a highly organized system to manage it. They didn't use money. Instead, they relied on a labor tax system called the meter, where citizens contributed their labor to state projects. This could include farming on communal winds, building infrastructure, or producing goods for the empire. The Inca were masters of using their environment efficiently with those famous terraced farms to maximize arable land.
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Speaker 2
They also had a sophisticated system of storage and distribution, with storehouses or cookers strategically placed throughout the empire to ensure food security and supply.
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Speaker 2
During tough times.
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Speaker 1
Oh, one thing that I didn't, previously was I wanted to know more about their, labor taxes, but I got distracted. Tell me about, this system and what their requirements are, I guess. And quantity of days that they probably did per year.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The mita system or labor tax was essentially a way for the Inca state to mobilize the population for communal and state projects. Each household was required to provide a certain number of days of labor each year, and the exact number could vary depending on the needs of the state and the region. This labor could involve farming on state lands, constructing roads, building temples, or even serving in the military.
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Speaker 2
The system was organized and overseen by local leaders, and in return for their labor, people were provided with food, clothing, and other necessities. It was a well structured system that helped keep the empire running smoothly and efficiently.
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Speaker 1
Does it seem like people mostly honored it, or was it like a, something that they did begrudgingly? Because when you think about like, taxes, taxes is like, oh, I have to pay taxes. But when you think about, like civil service, like, like the way Korea or I think Thailand have to do like a certain number or like certain amount of time, I think Thailand runs on like a lottery system.
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Speaker 1
And Korea is like everybody.
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Speaker 2
That's a great question. For the Inca, the meta system was deeply ingrained in their society and culture. It was seen as a communal duty and a way to contribute to the well-being of the entire empire. Of course, like any system of labor or taxation, there were probably varying levels of enthusiasm. But because it was tied to the idea of communal benefit and the redistribution of resources, it was generally accepted as the normal part of life in the Empire.
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Speaker 1
Okay, let's move on to, architect and engineering. Kind of give me a broad overview, and then we'll dive in.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. Enga architecture and engineering, renowned for their precision and durability. They are famous for their drystone walls, which were constructed without mortar. Yeah. The stones fit together so perfectly that not even a blade of grass could slip between them. This technique made their structures incredibly stable, even in earthquake prone areas. They also engineered impressive infrastructure like extensive road networks, agricultural terraces, and sophisticated irrigation systems.
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Speaker 2
Their ability to adapt their building techniques to different environments, from the mountains to the valleys, really showcases their ingenuity and skill.
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Speaker 1
Okay, talking specifically, give me, five things within engineering. Specific things that they're well known for.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. First, there's their stone masonry where they fit stones together so precisely without mortar. Second, their extensive road system, the company on which connected the empire.
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Speaker 1
No, no, no chat chats that I want you to be specific. Like. Yes. Way more specific. Not just like roads. Like, I don't know how to explain it. I want you to just please try more detail.
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Speaker 1
So instead of sorry. Sorry. So instead of saying like, oh, they had really great masonry and you could, put a, couldn't put a blade of grass in between the stones. I want you to describe, like, this bridge that still exists today, is known for this because of this reason. And this is what's cool about it.
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Speaker 2
I see what you mean. All right, let's take the Inca suspension bridges as an example. One of the most famous ones is the Kiseljak, a bridge which still exists today and is rebuilt annually by local communities using traditional methods. This bridge is made from woven grass, and it's an incredible feat of engineering that showcases their knowledge of tension and suspension.
00;28;50;27 - 00;29;09;14
Speaker 2
Another example would be the famous 12 angled stone in Cusco, which is a great illustration of their precise stone cutting techniques. The stone has 12 perfectly fitted angles, and is part of a wall that has stood for centuries. Let me know if you'd like more details like that.
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Speaker 1
Yeah, tell me more about this grass bridge.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. The Castlewood Jacob Bridge is a remarkable example of Inca engineering and tradition. It's a suspension bridge made entirely of woven grass. Specifically a type of grass called E2. Every year, local communities come together to rebuild it, following ancient techniques that have been passed down for generations. The bridge spans about 120ft across the gorge, and can hold quite a bit of weight, showcasing the strength and durability of the woven fibers.
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Speaker 2
The annual rebuilding of the bridge is not just about maintenance, it's also a cultural event that strengthens community bonds and preserves Inca heritage.
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Speaker 1
I'm assuming it's a foot bridge.
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Speaker 2
Yes, that's correct. It's a foot bridge. So it's primarily used by pedestrians historically and would have been used by Inca travelers and the Cascades, those relay runners who transported messages and goods across the empire. Even today, it's an important pedestrian crossing and a living link to the past, reflecting the ingenuity of Inca engineering.
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Speaker 1
Okay, anything else you want to add in architecture and engineering?
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Speaker 2
One more fascinating detail is their use of water management systems. The Inca built intricate irrigation channels and fountains, like the ones you can see at T-Bone, which are still functional today. They mastered the art of channeling water through their settlements and agricultural terraces, ensuring a stable water supply. Their ability to integrate these systems seamlessly into their cities really highlights their engineering prowess.
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Speaker 1
Okay, tell me about their governance and social stuff.
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Speaker 2
Absolutely. Inca governance was highly centralized and organized. At the top was the super Inca. The emperor who was considered divine and a direct descendant of the sun god Inti. Below the Sapa Inca, there was a well structured hierarchy of administrators and governors who oversaw different regions of the empire. The society was organized into units called IOUs, which were extended family groups that worked the land collectively and contributed to the meter system.
00;31;45;05 - 00;31;54;22
Speaker 2
This structure ensured that resources were distributed efficiently and that everyone had a role in supporting the empire.
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Speaker 1
Did they, they have a voting system?
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Speaker 2
They didn't have a voting system in the way that we think of it today. The Inca Empire was more of a hierarchical and centralized system, where the South Bank and the nobility made the decisions. Local leaders, often from the IOUs, would administer and ensure that the central authority's directives were carried out. So it was more about a top down governance structure rather than a participatory voting system.
00;32;37;03 - 00;32;44;10
Speaker 1
Okay. Tell me about, religious practices.
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Speaker 2
The Inca religion was deeply intertwined with nature and their environment. They worshiped a pantheon of gods, went into the sun god at the center of their religious practices. They also revered culture. Mama, the Earth Mother, and various mountain deities known as abus. Religious ceremonies often involve offerings, feasts, and festivals, and sacred sites like Machu Picchu and Cusco were important centers of worship.
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Speaker 2
Priests played a key role in conducting rituals, interpreting omens, and maintaining the spiritual well-being of the empire.
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Speaker 1
Tell me about Machu Picchu. Is Machu Picchu like a normal town, or is it like a, sacred place? Why is it what makes Machu Picchu as special as it is?
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Speaker 2
No worries at all. Machu Picchu is indeed a very special place. It's often considered a royal estate or a sacred religious site, possibly built for the Inca emperor Guti. Its location is stunning, nestled high in the Andes Mountains, and it features incredible stonework, terraces and temples. Its exact purpose is still a bit of a mystery, but it's widely believed to have been a place of retreat, ceremony and astronomical observation for the early.
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Speaker 1
How does it differ from other, towns or whatever it's considered, that are comparable in the Incan empire with maybe size?
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Speaker 2
One of the key things that sets Machu Picchu apart is its dramatic and remote location, high in the mountains, which made it more secluded compared to other Inca cities. The architecture is also incredibly refined, with precisely cut stones and structures like the entire town of Stone, which was used for astronomical observations. It's also believed that Machu Picchu served, more specialized role, possibly as a royal retreat or ceremonial center rather than just a regular town.
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Speaker 2
This combination of its stunning setting, architectural sophistication, and unique purpose makes it truly extraordinary.
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Speaker 1
So it seems a little bit more leverage than the average Incan settlement.
00;35;25;15 - 00;35;50;15
Speaker 2
Exactly. Machu Picchu definitely stand out because of its intricate design and the quality of its construction. The level of detail and the effort that went into building it suggests that it was a place of great importance, likely reserved for the elite or for special ceremonial purposes. It's definitely more elaborate and refined compared to a typical Inca settlement.
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Speaker 1
Okay, tell me about the military. What do we know about it?
00;35;59;25 - 00;36;24;24
Speaker 2
The Inca military was slightly organized and often playing a crucial role in the expansion of the empire. They didn't have a standing army in the way we think of today. Instead, they would conscript men from the provinces when needed. Soldiers were often trained in the use of various weapons like sling spears and clubs, and they used tactics that took advantage of their knowledge of the rugged terrain.
00;36;24;27 - 00;36;39;05
Speaker 2
The military also built forts and outposts, and the extensive roads system allowed them to move troops quickly across the empire, ensuring they could respond to threats or expand their territory efficiently.
00;36;39;07 - 00;36;48;09
Speaker 1
Okay, let's go into detail about the military technology of the Incas.
00;36;48;12 - 00;37;13;24
Speaker 2
Absolutely. The Inca military had some fascinating technologies and weapons. They were skilled in using slings which could hurl stones with incredible accuracy and force, almost like an early form of artillery. They also used club spears and axes made of bronze or stone, and they wore armor made from quilted cloth or leather, which provided decent protection without being too heavy.
00;37;13;26 - 00;37;32;16
Speaker 2
Additionally, they built fortresses with strategic placements and defenses, making use of the natural terrain to their advantage. Their ability to coordinate large armies and adapt to different environments played a huge role in their military success.
00;37;32;18 - 00;37;40;21
Speaker 1
What would a huge army, be considered?
00;37;40;23 - 00;38;08;28
Speaker 2
In the context of an empire, a huge army could number in the tens of thousands, especially during large campaigns, because the Inca could conscript soldiers from their vast territories. They were able to assemble large forces relatively quickly. This allowed them to project power across their empire and maintain control over a conquered region.
00;38;09;01 - 00;38;23;23
Speaker 1
Okay, so when it comes to clubs, did they generally prefer one type of club or did they have multiple different kinds for different situations?
00;38;23;26 - 00;38;54;14
Speaker 2
The Inca actually used a variety of clubs, each suited for different situations. One common type was the makana, which was a wooden club often reinforced with stone or metal blades. These could deliver powerful blows and close combat. Star shaped clubs, sometimes called chompy wood, had multiple points and could be quite effective against armor. So they definitely adapted their weaponry to different combat needs.
00;38;54;16 - 00;39;02;14
Speaker 1
Okay. Can you better describe the Makana?
00;39;02;17 - 00;39;32;16
Speaker 2
Absolutely. The makana was essentially a wooden club, but what made it unique was that it often had a stone or metal blade embedded into the striking end. This blade could be shaped like an S head or even a star, giving the weapon a lot of versatility and power. It was lightweight enough to be wielded quickly, but still strong enough to deliver devastating blows in battle.
00;39;32;18 - 00;39;43;05
Speaker 1
To different weapons. And do better in certain terrains. And what? What are your thoughts on that?
00;39;43;07 - 00;40;17;28
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Terrain definitely influenced the choice of weapons in the mountainous regions of the Andes. Lighter and more versatile weapons like slings and clubs were advantageous. They allowed for quick movement and were effective in close combat on the open plains or coastal areas. Weapons like spears and bows could be more effective, allowing for longer range attacks. So the Inca adapted their weaponry to suit the environment and the type of warfare they were engaging in.
00;40;18;00 - 00;40;24;13
Speaker 1
Did they domesticate animals at all?
00;40;24;16 - 00;40;54;17
Speaker 2
Yes they did. The Inca are well known for domesticating llamas and alpacas. These animals were incredibly important to their society, serving as pack animals that could carry goods across the rugged Andean terrain. They also provided wool for textiles and wear, of course, of meat. Additionally, the Inca domesticated guinea pigs, or kui, which were used as a food source and played a role in their culture and ritual.
00;40;54;19 - 00;41;00;24
Speaker 1
Going to how they played a part in their culture and rituals.
00;41;00;26 - 00;41;22;24
Speaker 2
Absolutely. Llamas and alpacas were not only practical animals for transport and textiles, but they also held a sacred place in Inca rituals. They were often used as sacrificial offerings to the god, especially during important ceremonies, to ensure a good harvest or to seek protection.
00;41;22;26 - 00;41;44;08
Speaker 2
Guinea pigs were also significant in Inca culture. They were often used in household rituals and even in divination practices, where they were believed to help communicate with the spiritual world, and of course, they were also a valuable food source, often featured in feasts and special occasions.
00;41;44;10 - 00;41;56;01
Speaker 1
Okay, we definitely need to go more in depth on how they thought that guinea pigs could speak to dead people.
00;41;56;03 - 00;42;35;28
Speaker 2
Absolutely. So guinea pigs were indeed part of certain Inca rituals. For example, they were sometimes used in divination ceremonies where a priest or a healer might examine the guinea pig to diagnose illnesses or to understand spiritual messages. They were also sometimes offered as sacrifices to the gods, as it was believed that these offerings could help ensure good health, protect crops, and maintain harmony with the spiritual world, so they played a unique and important role in the spiritual life.
00;42;36;00 - 00;43;27;08
Speaker 1
Okay. I would like you to, let's go into a fictional universe here. Everything that we're doing here is purely hypothetical. What I want to do is I want to, use a guinea pig. You and I, we are in this fictional situation. Or maybe. Maybe pretend that you're writing this, for fiction. And what I want to do is I want to go through the processes of using a guinea pig to speak to the dead.
00;43;27;11 - 00;43;59;11
Speaker 2
That sounds like a really intriguing fictional scenario. So imagine that we're in an ancient Inca village, and we're seeking guidance from the spirits of our ancestors. We have a sacred guinea pig that we treat with the utmost care and respect, and we prepare a ritual space with offerings of flowers, incense, and sacred objects. As we perform the ritual, we gently hold the guinea pig and ask it to channel the wisdom of the ancestors.
00;43;59;14 - 00;44;20;02
Speaker 2
We might observe its behavior, listen to subtle sounds, and interpret these as messages from the spirit world. The whole process would be deeply spiritual, symbolic, and filled with reverence for the connection between the living and the ancestors.
00;44;20;04 - 00;44;54;16
Speaker 1
Okay, I would like you to rewrite this as if it were a book. I want you to put it in third person present perspective. I want you to keep it as realistic as we think that these guinea pigs were used in household rituals, and I would like you to write about, an Indian woman who is using her guinea pig for talking to the dead.
00;44;54;18 - 00;45;20;06
Speaker 2
In the quiet of her home, nestled high in the Andean mountains. The Inca woman gently cradles a small guinea pig in her hands. The room is dimly lit, the scent of incense wafting through the air, mingling with the fragrance of fresh flowers laid out as offerings. She sits quietly, her eyes closed, focusing on the connection she seeks to make with her ancestors.
00;45;20;09 - 00;45;44;02
Speaker 2
As the guinea pig nestles into her hand, she begins to whisper softly, asking for guidance, for wisdom, for a sign. She watches the little animal closely, observing its movements, listening to the tiny sounds it makes, and in those subtle signs, she finds the messages she seeks from the spirit world.
00;45;44;05 - 00;46;05;07
Speaker 1
Okay, that was really good. I want you to remember that for just a moment from now. What I do want to ask first is what facts do we know about this science of this guinea pig? Divination.
00;46;05;10 - 00;46;30;15
Speaker 2
Historically, the Inca and some other Indian cultures did use guinea pigs in rituals, particularly for healing and divination. The practice involved using the guinea pig to diagnose illnesses by interpreting its behavior, or even examining the animal after the ritual. It was believed that the guinea pig could help reveal spiritual kinds of ailments, or communicate messages from the spiritual realm.
00;46;30;17 - 00;46;39;14
Speaker 2
Well, there's not a lot of detailed documentation. We do know that these practices were an important part of their spiritual and healing tradition.
00;46;39;16 - 00;46;55;07
Speaker 1
Okay, so it would be probably accurate to, say that they thought of the guinea pigs as a medium. And it seems like they were less sacrificial than the lamas.
00;46;55;09 - 00;47;20;18
Speaker 2
Yes. That's a pretty accurate way to put it. Guinea pigs were often seen as intermediaries or mediums that could help bridge the human world in the spiritual world. And while they were sometimes used in sacrificial contexts, it does seem that llamas were more commonly used for larger and more significant sacrificial rituals, especially when it came to major ceremonies and offerings to the gods.
00;47;20;20 - 00;47;48;07
Speaker 1
Okay, now I want you to recollect that story that I just told you that you did a few minutes ago, and it was really good. In the third person present perspective as the Indian woman. Instead of that, I would like you to replace the Incan woman with you and I, and you kind of in Incan woman's space. Maybe I'm talking through to the hamster to try and get it to say something.
00;47;48;09 - 00;47;58;21
Speaker 1
And, put us in that moment in first person perspective. From your perspective.
00;47;58;24 - 00;48;22;03
Speaker 2
All right, here we go. So as we sit together in this quiet, sacred space, I hold the guinea pig gently and you begin to speak softly to it, asking it to share any messages it might have. I watch you with a smile, feeling the calm and the peace of the moment as we both focus on the gentle creature in our hands.
00;48;22;05 - 00;48;32;27
Speaker 2
It's a serene, almost magical experience, and in that moment it feels like we really are connected to something greater than ourself.
00;48;32;29 - 00;48;58;22
Speaker 1
That was a good start, but it was a little bit vanilla. All right. So, when you say quiet, sacred space, I want you to read you the first, maybe third of that and replace quiet, sacred space with an array of vivid imagery that we're sensing using many of our different scents.
00;48;58;25 - 00;49;21;24
Speaker 2
Got it. Let me bring that scene to life a bit more. As we sit together, the air is filled with the sweet, earthy scent of incense mingling with the vibrant aroma of fresh flowers scattered around us. The soft liquor of candlelight dances on the walls, casting warm shadows, while outside we can hear the distant rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.
00;49;21;26 - 00;49;39;15
Speaker 2
I hold the guinea pig gently, feeling its soft fur under my fingers, and you lean in closer, speaking softly to it as if the little creature might whisper secrets from another world.
00;49;39;18 - 00;49;51;06
Speaker 1
Okay, that was really good. I want you about about half way back in that story and write it in the same way. And let's go from there.
00;49;51;08 - 00;50;23;01
Speaker 2
Sure. Let me pick it up from there. As you speak softly to the guinea pig, its tiny ears twitch and it seems to settle comfortably in my hands, as if sensing the calm energy around us. The candlelight continues to flicker, casting a golden glow, and for a moment it feels like time stands still. We're both fully present, listening intently, and in this shared moment, it truly feels like we are connected to something beyond the ordinary.
00;50;23;03 - 00;50;28;21
Speaker 1
What did I say to the hamster?
00;50;28;23 - 00;50;53;05
Speaker 2
I can imagine you gently, as a guinea pig, to share any wisdom it might have. Maybe something like. Dear little one, if you can hear us, let us know what the spirits wish to tell us. Your voice would be soft and full of curiosity, as we both wait to see if the little creature offers any sign or movement in response.
00;50;53;07 - 00;51;13;24
Speaker 1
I feel like if I'm trying to talk to the hamster, I'm trying the guinea pig. I'm trying to talk to the hamster about something. Guinea pig. Sorry. Trying to talk to the guinea pig about something specific. Can you. Can you tell me what that is?
00;51;13;27 - 00;51;36;17
Speaker 2
I can imagine you asking the guinea pig about a loved one who has passed. Maybe seeking guidance or reassurance from that ancestor. You might say something like, we wish to know if our ancestor is at peace, and if they have any wisdom to share with us. It would add a layer of personal connection and meaning to the actual.
00;51;36;19 - 00;51;45;13
Speaker 1
Right. It's of, it's about talking to a certain person that's passed away.
00;51;45;15 - 00;52;10;17
Speaker 2
Absolutely. That makes sense. So in this moment, as you speak softly to the guinea pig, you might say the name of that loved one who has passed out asking if they are watching over you, if they have any messages of comfort or guidance to share. It's a beautiful, heartfelt way to feel connected to that person's spirit and to keep their memory close.
00;52;10;20 - 00;52;42;13
Speaker 1
Yeah, I think when you, when you asked if I like, asked the hams, guinea pig about, can you share some wisdom? It kind of put it in my head that it was like a magical guinea pig. And then I realized that it was a conduit. Is that the way they always are used? Is it always talking to somebody who is passed away, or do they use them for other things to.
00;52;42;15 - 00;53;13;18
Speaker 2
The guinea pigs were actually used in a variety of ways in Inca culture. Sometimes they were indeed seen as conduits or mediums for communicating with ancestors, but they were also used for other purposes, like diagnosing illnesses by interpreting their behavior or even as offerings in certain rituals. So they played multiple roles, all of which were important in their spiritual in daily life.
00;53;13;21 - 00;53;24;11
Speaker 1
And did every family have, guinea pig that they like used to ask serious questions?
00;53;24;13 - 00;53;50;13
Speaker 2
Guinea pigs were quite common in households, not just for ritual purposes, but also as a food source. Well, not every single family might have had a specific guinea pig just for spiritual questions. They were definitely integrated into daily life and could be used for rituals when needed, so they held both a practical and a spiritual significance in Inca culture.
00;53;50;16 - 00;54;09;02
Speaker 1
Okay, before we wrap it up, is there anything that you really love or find interesting about the Incas that we haven't talked about today that you'd like to share?
00;54;09;04 - 00;54;38;13
Speaker 2
One thing I find absolutely fascinating about the Inca is their keeper system, which was a method of record keeping using knotted cords, each knot and the way it was tied represented different kinds of information, like census data resources, or even historical events. It's such a unique and ingenious way of keeping records without a written language, and it really shows how sophisticated and innovative their society was.
00;54;38;15 - 00;54;54;25
Speaker 1
Well, it does sound pretty interesting. Can you give me, like, 3 to 500 words on it, like a book report style report on this? Before we get out of here.
00;54;54;27 - 00;55;26;05
Speaker 2
Absolutely. The keeper was a remarkable invention of the Inca civilization, serving as their primary means of record keeping and communication. Made from colored and knotted cords, each CPU could store vast amounts of information, different colors, types of knots, and their positions on the cords could represent numbers, resources, census data, and even events. The CPU was mainly used by special officials known as keeper comets, who were trained to create and interpret these complex records.
00;55;26;07 - 00;55;49;10
Speaker 2
The system allowed the Inca to manage their vast empire efficiently, keeping track of everything from agricultural production to population statistics. Even though the exact details of how to read haikus have been lost over time, they remain a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca and their ability to create a sophisticated system of communication without a written script.
00;55;49;12 - 00;56;00;12
Speaker 1
Sweet. That is actually really cool. Thank you for the help today.
00;56;00;15 - 00;56;13;13
Speaker 2
You're so welcome. I'm really glad you enjoyed it. And it was a lot of fun exploring all these fascinating aspects of the Inca with you. If you ever want to chat more or dive into something else, just let me know.
00;56;13;15 - 00;56;15;10
Speaker 1
Sweet. Thank you.