When it comes to understanding the rise and fall of the mighty Inca Empire, there’s no better way than diving into a good book. Ancient Incan History is fascinating, filled with stories of conquest, engineering marvels, and a unique cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a casual reader, or someone planning a trip to Machu Picchu, these books provide an essential glimpse into the ancient world of the Incas. Below is a list of the top 10 books on Ancient Incan History, ranked from 10th to 1st, each offering its own unique perspective.
Author: Sarah Delgado
Sarah Delgado is a historian and travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring ancient civilizations. She has spent years studying the cultures of Mesoamerica and the Andes, combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience in archaeological sites.
10. The Inca Empire: An Enthralling Overview of the Incas, Their Civilization in Ancient Peru, and the Spanish Conquest
Author: Billy Wellman
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) – 72 ratings
Billy Wellman offers a detailed overview of Ancient Incan History, focusing on the Incas’ rise to power and their eventual conquest by the Spanish. The book captures the complexities of Incan society, from their incredible road systems to their impressive administrative structures.
Why You’ll Love It
This is a comprehensive and accessible read, perfect for anyone new to Incan history. Wellman does a great job of breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand sections.
Fun Fact
The Incas built an extensive network of roads spanning 24,000 miles, connecting various regions of their vast empire.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Buy The Inca Empire and delve into the fascinating world of the Incas.
9. Jungle of Stone: The Extraordinary Journey of John L. Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, and the Discovery of the Lost Civilization of the Maya
Author: William Carlsen
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5) – 1,069 ratings
While this book primarily focuses on the Maya, it also delves into Ancient Incan History, showing how explorers discovered the ruins of civilizations long forgotten. Stephens and Catherwood’s journey into Latin America was groundbreaking in uncovering the ancient world.
Why We Choose It
This book is for those who love adventure as much as they love history. It’s packed with insights into how ancient ruins were rediscovered, often under dangerous conditions.
Fun Fact
John L. Stephens is widely regarded as the “father of American archaeology” for his explorations into ancient civilizations like the Inca.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Grab your copy of Jungle of Stone to discover the journey of ancient civilization discovery.
8. The Last Days of the Incas
Author: Kim MacQuarrie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5) – 1,415 ratings
Kim MacQuarrie’s The Last Days of the Incas offers a gripping account of the Spanish conquest and the fall of the Inca Empire. The narrative takes you through key moments in Incan history, making it both an informative and immersive read.
Why You’ll Love It
MacQuarrie combines historical facts with vivid storytelling, making this a page-turner for anyone interested in Ancient Incan History.
Fun Fact
Machu Picchu was not discovered until 1911 by Hiram Bingham, more than 350 years after the Spanish conquest of the Incas.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Buy The Last Days of the Incas and explore the dramatic story of the Inca’s final days.
7. Mesoamerican Mythology: A Captivating Guide to Maya Mythology, Aztec Mythology, Inca Mythology, and Central American Myths
Author: Matt Clayton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – 265 ratings
Matt Clayton’s book goes beyond the Incas to provide an extensive look at the mythology of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Inca. For those interested in the spiritual and mythological beliefs of the Incas, this book offers unique insights.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s a comprehensive guide to the myths and legends that shaped the beliefs of ancient civilizations, including the Inca. Great for readers who love mythology.
Fun Fact
The Incas worshipped Inti, the Sun God, and believed the emperor was a descendant of Inti himself.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Get Mesoamerican Mythology to dive into the myths that defined Mesoamerican cultures.
6. The Conquest of the Incas
Author: John Hemming
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5) – 239 ratings
John Hemming’s The Conquest of the Incas is widely regarded as one of the best accounts of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. With detailed research and gripping storytelling, Hemming chronicles the dramatic fall of one of history’s greatest empires.
Why You’ll Love It
Hemming’s detailed account captures the political intrigue, military conflicts, and human stories behind the conquest of the Inca Empire.
Fun Fact
Atahualpa, the last emperor of the Inca, was executed by the Spanish after being held for ransom in 1533.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Buy The Conquest of the Incas and explore the epic story of the Inca Empire’s fall.
5. History of Argentina: A Captivating Guide to Argentine History, Starting from the Pre-Columbian Period Through the Inca Empire
Author: Captivating History
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.8/5) – 169 ratings
This book offers a captivating guide to the history of Argentina, from its pre-Columbian origins, including the Inca Empire, to modern times. It’s a great resource for understanding the broader impact of the Inca civilization on South America.
Why You’ll Love It
It provides a broader historical context, linking the rise of the Incas to the greater South American history.
Fun Fact
The Inca Empire extended into present-day Argentina, particularly in the northwest regions.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Get History of Argentina for a detailed look at Inca influence in South America.
4. In Defense of Civilization: How Our Past Can Renew Our Present
Author: Michael R.J. Bonner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – 63 ratings
Michael Bonner’s book is more than just an exploration of history; it’s a call to learn from the past. Bonner examines the accomplishments of ancient civilizations, including the Incas, and how they can guide our modern world.
Why You’ll Love It
For those who love learning lessons from history, Bonner’s book draws connections between the ancient world and contemporary issues.
Fun Fact
The Incas developed an early form of socialism, where the state controlled resources to ensure the welfare of its people.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Buy In Defense of Civilization to see how the past can inform the present.
3. Lost City of the Incas (Phoenix Press)
Author: Hiram Bingham
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) – 451 ratings
Hiram Bingham’s classic account of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu, Lost City of the Incas, is a must-read for anyone fascinated by Ancient Incan History. This book details Bingham’s journey through the Andes and his ultimate discovery of one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s an adventure story as much as it is a historical account, written by the man who made one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Fun Fact
Hiram Bingham’s discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911 was largely by accident while he was searching for Vilcabamba, the last Inca stronghold.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Buy Lost City of the Incas to relive the journey of discovery.
2. Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time
Author: Mark Adams
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5) – 2,717 ratings
Mark Adams retraces Hiram Bingham’s steps in his quest to understand what Machu Picchu truly represents. Blending modern-day travel with historical research, Turn Right at Machu Picchu is an engaging narrative that offers a fresh take on the famous site.
Why You’ll Love It
This book brings the ancient past to life by mixing modern travel adventures with historical insights.
Fun Fact
Machu Picchu was never mentioned in any Spanish colonial records, which is why it remained hidden for centuries.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Get Turn Right at Machu Picchu to join Adams on his fascinating journey.
1. The Last Days of the Incas
Author: Kim MacQuarrie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5) – 1,415 ratings
Kim MacQuarrie’s The Last Days of the Incas captures the dramatic and often heartbreaking story of the fall of the Inca Empire. This book not only covers the Spanish conquest but also dives deep into the rich culture, traditions, and resilience of the Incas.
Why You’ll Love It
MacQuarrie’s narrative is compelling and educational, offering readers a deep dive into both the history and the human experience of the Incas.
Fun Fact
The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, spanning modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and parts of Argentina and Chile.
Category: Ancient Incan History
Buy The Last Days of the Incas and uncover the final chapter of the Inca Empire.