Ep 6. Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Inca

In the third season of Digging for the Truth, the sixth episode titled "Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Inca" explores the secrets and mysteries of the abandoned Incan city nestled in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Hosted by Josh Bernstein, the show follows him and his team of experts as they venture into the heart of Machu Picchu to uncover the truth behind the impressive feats of engineering that were accomplished by the ancient Inca civilization.

The episode begins with Josh and his team trekking up the steep mountain path towards the entrance of Machu Picchu. Along the way, he shares some of the history of the Incas, who flourished in the Andean region from the 15th to the 16th century before being conquered by the Spanish. Despite theories that Machu Picchu was built as a fortress or a royal estate, scholars now believe that the city was primarily a religious site, a place where the Incas came to worship their gods and connect with the spirits of nature.

As Josh and his team explore the ruins of Machu Picchu, they discover a complex system of terraces, aqueducts, and drainages that allowed the city to survive in an area with limited water sources. They also find evidence of the Inca's advanced engineering skills, such as the perfectly carved stones that fit together without mortar to form the walls and buildings of the city.

But perhaps the most intriguing mystery of Machu Picchu is what led to its abandonment. Despite its impressive infrastructure, the city was deserted by the Incas around the time of the Spanish conquest, and the reason for this is still unknown. Josh delves into various theories, such as a smallpox epidemic or a natural disaster, as he and his team search for clues that might shed light on the enigma.

Along the way, Josh also explores the cultural significance of Machu Picchu to the modern-day Peruvian people, who see it as a symbol of their indigenous heritage and a testament to the ingenuity of their ancestors. He meets with a local shaman who performs a traditional ceremony to honor the Inca gods and bless the visitors in their quest for knowledge.

Overall, "Machu Picchu: Lost City of the Inca" is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's greatest archaeological treasures. Josh and his team manage to capture the sense of awe and wonder that visitors feel when they first approach the city, while also delving into the historical and cultural context that makes Machu Picchu such an enduring symbol of human achievement. Whether you're an armchair archaeologist or an intrepid explorer, this episode of Digging for the Truth is sure to inspire and educate.