Ep 8. Lost Mummies of the Inca
- January 4, 1998
Lost Mummies of the Inca is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the television series Ancient Mysteries. The episode explores the mysterious and captivating world of Incan mummies, focusing on the lost mummies that have captured the imaginations of archeologists and enthusiasts alike. The episode presents the history and culture of the Incan people and seeks to uncover the secrets of their mummification process.
The episode starts by introducing the viewer to the Incan civilization, which ruled over a vast empire in present-day Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. The Incans were an advanced civilization that had a unique system of social organization, engineering, and architecture, and their legacy is still visible in the form of iconic sites like Machu Picchu, the Nazca lines, and Choquequirao.
The episode then moves on to explore how the Incan mummies were created. The Incans believed in the concept of the afterlife and mummification was an important part of their death rituals. The mummification process was an elaborate affair that involved first removing the internal organs of the deceased and then drying the body with a special salt mixture. The dried body was then wrapped in cloth and placed in a sitting position in the fetal position, and then placed in a tomb or a cemetery.
The episode then presents the main question that has puzzled archeologists for generations: where are the Incan mummies? The Incan mummies are incredibly rare, and several of them have been lost or destroyed over time. However, through the work of dedicated archaeologists and conservationists, several Incan mummies have been discovered in recent years.
The episode then goes into detail about the discovery of these mummies. One of the most famous examples is the Maiden, a young girl who was sacrificed as part of a ritual and was found frozen in ice in the Andes Mountains. Another example is the Llullaillaco mummies, who were discovered in a remote Andean peak in Argentina in 1999. These mummies have been well preserved, and they have provided important insights into the Incan civilization.
The episode then moves on to explore the scientific research that has been conducted on the Incan mummies. Through DNA analysis and other techniques, scientists have been able to learn about the diet, health and lifestyles of the Incan people. The results of this research have been fascinating and have provided new insights into the Incan civilization.
The episode then concludes by reiterating the importance of the Incan mummies in understanding this fascinating civilization. By studying the mummies, we can uncover valuable insights into the culture, belief system, and practices of the Incan people, and we can better appreciate their legacy.
In conclusion, the Lost Mummies of the Inca episode is a fascinating exploration of the Incan mummies and their place in history. Through interviews with experts, detailed reconstructions, and stunning location footage, the episode offers a comprehensive look at this intriguing subject. Whether you're a fan of archeology, history, or just love a good mystery, this episode is sure to captivate and entertain.
