12. The Inca - Cities in the Cloud (Part 2 of 2)

PART 1: • 12. The Inca - Cities ...
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.
** Fall of Civilizations the book is now available to pre-order: linktr.ee/fallofcivilizations **
SOURCES: / 46118387
SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: / fallofcivilizations_po...
Credits:
Sound engineering: Thomas Ntinas & Alexey Sibikin
Voice actors:
Annie Kelly
Jamie Tanner
Gerald Condlin
Lachlan Lucas
Peter Walters
Jimmy Lai
Original music by Pavlos Kapralos: / @pavloskapralos3969
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
Special thanks to Milosh Kitchovitch for providing footage of various sites. Visit his channel here: / milosh9k
Special thanks to the painter Frank Abarca for providing paintings of the Inca and Wari peoples.
See more of his work here: / frank_abarca_

[@carlosbg5451]

I’m Peruvian, and our country has just celebrated its bicentennial as an independent nation. But we are very much still suffering the ripples (cultural, economic, and otherwise) of this tale of destruction and genocide, which greatly shaped who we are as a nation. This was one of the saddest episodes in the history of humanity, expertly told. Keep up the excellent work!

[@boyden1987]

Equally beautifully said! Can you give more specific examples of these ripples? I'm very interested to hear how you think Peru would have evolved without the Spanish inteference.

[@alessandrodelogu7931]

@@boyden1987 I think the Inca Empire could survive. They were located on an isolated and mountainous region, and they were a strong centralized government. Plus the Spanish leader this time was not an educated and smart man like Cortés, but an illiterate shepherd, who made the mistake of killing the emperor and was eventually murdered by his own countrymen.

[@michaels7325]

@@boyden1987 They would have evolved with another European countries influence then. Not saying it was right, but that was the time they were living in. The overarching consequences would likely be mirrored closely in terms of introducing alien diseases.

[@carlosbg5451]

@@boyden1987 We are still to an extent, a racially and culturally divided country (Andean and western/European heritage on opposite sides). I also trace our weak institutions and extractive economic model to our colonial heritage. Finally I think it was inevitable that sooner or later the Inca civilization was conquered by a European power, due to the large advantages in technology and resources they possessed, and the devastation unleashed by the pandemic they brought with their European germs.

[@diegovillaruiz2431]

Con esperanzas de que este nuevo período que empieza ahora con el nuevo presidente traiga mejoras en toda la sociedad peruana, sobretodo de los que están sufriendo las injusticias de un sistema que no ampara a los pobres y los olvidados de la sociedad. Saludos desde Argentina, Carlos!

[@MarcioVicentess]

Hey, Paul and community! Right now I'm at Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes). I'm on a trip with my wife to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu. When we arrived at the small town (but crowded with tourists) at the base of Machu Picchu we entered a restaurant where over the bar - ornated with inca figures all around - was a big tv playing the video from the episode "Cities in the Cloud". The tv is positioned in a way that the whole restaurant can see. It was amazing and kinda shocking because we've seen this video a couple of times - one of them a few days before leaving our country home to come here. I thought you would like to know that! Another sign of a great job done. Kind regards!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Marcio, that's really lovely to hear! Glad you've been enjoying also.

[@douglaskingsman2565]

As a student of history, I am somewhat surprised to find myself so overwhelmed, once again, by your series. However, the rise and fall of the Inca in particular has left me in deep sorrow. Your telling has a strange, otherworldly beauty to it, so - in spite of the unfathomable cruelty of my species - I feel something very akin to awe. Much appreciations.

[@BaddieLuvsBaddies]

PROUD OVER PEOPOLE WHO WON BY OVERTAKING P0EOPLE THAT DIDNT EVEN HAVE WEAPONS !

[@LeadenMarshmallow]

I am too, it catches me off guard because I was already familiar with what happened , but it has an extra layer of difficult to hear knowing that I'm descended from these Spanish

[@temogen2]

I was estuneshed more by the end of the Assyrians.

[@shadowmich]

astonished*@@temogen2

[@pieromonteverde3169]

As a native Peruvian, I found this podcast the best I've come across this period in history, better than what it is taught in college there. Congratulations and thank you!

[@knovives]

it's really a privilege to have this for free.

[@patrickirwin3662]

Miracle! Thanks to those who can afford to support it and do!

[@bigdunc1313]

Yer I agree. This is so professional and beyond the standards of most production companies,

[@grahamrigs]

If you did want to contribute, he does have a patreon and I've been a patron for well over a year now. He posts fairly regularly there with extra content like maps and whatnot and replies to discussions

[@ONEGRA2]

Indeed.

[@thebirdbrand]

It’s really a privilege to be free…

[@blahsomethingclever]

Beautiful story telling. Tasteful audio. Don't change anything, your videos are works of art

[@ML-my8qq]

My thirst for knowledge on The Sumerians originally brought me to Fall of Civilizations. I’ve spent many, many hours with all of the videos afterwards....He needs far more than the 560k subscribers. Videos on this channel are brilliant.

[@Add50326]

That indeed. They are really well spoken and well made. These videos make me fall in love with my history and the history of the world.

[@nickb654]

Amazing delivery. I never listen to these from beginning to end like this. I am very old and to say you held my attention is quite an accomplishment.

[@jturneyful]

This series is the best, or one of the best, documentaries I have ever seen in my life. It is thorough, contextual, balanced, rich and lively. It vividly brings history to life with much needed context from start to finish. In terms of quality, it is way above anything mainstream.

[@martyollier7536]

Balanced? Yea... ok.

[@fishofgold6553]

@@martyollier7536 What's UNbalanced about it?

[@avatarwan5824]

@@fishofgold6553 It doesn't glorify the Spanish enough for their conquistadoral tastes.

[@luismcarrion]

@@avatarwan5824 what is there to glorify about the Spanish invasion?

[@avatarwan5824]

@@luismcarrion ...? I was being sarcastic. I mean there was nothing to glorify about the Spanish invasion.

[@92Pyromaniac]

The sorrow of these New World episodes is so deep. I think it's how comparatively recent it all is, and the feeling of how differently things could have gone. There's this overwhelming sense that we were so close to a future so different to our own, if only a few dice had been rolled differently. Perhaps it was inevitable that things would happen this way. But, to know that in just a few hundred years that these men and thier actions would be viewed with disgust and outrage, but with no way of undoing them, is harrowing. If there's one thing we should take away from these stories it's that the destruction of knowledge and culture cannot be undone, and it is universally regretted and mourned in time.

[@annatrombley5607]

My sentiments as well. Just imagine if Europeans came to the Americas in a spirit of collaboration & humility!

[@spiralsun1]

We always think things closer in time are the more relevant tragedies. Like that guy in the other cubicle over there doing that thing which makes your own life miserable 😂. Just trying to make a point… but it’s not actually true, if you lift your eyes above all these local things in time and space. There are higher meanings in all things, opportunities for learning and growth. We learn from the past and we grow. We don’t forget the stories now, and we can be much more accurate with science and combined knowledge. What is combined knowledge? Higher meaning. Like the invisible meaning hovering over the words I am making now. And in the invisible consciousness hovering over the cells in your brain. There is a soul of the world, and we were children then. The El Dorado is the meaning without which gold would be just another metal. The words just shapes on paper, the people just a collection of chemicals worth about a dollar.

[@bennettbullock9690]

In the early 90s, when I was a teenager, I tried to imagine - with some degree of obsessiveness - an alternate history in which indigenous civilizations didn't collapse. It was the era of 1492 and "Dances with Wolves", in which American culture finally accepted that its treatment of Native Americans was, on the whole, evil. What type of people would be required for another outcome? Certainly not conquistadors who were only 1-2 generations away from the Reconquista. Could all this cruelty have been avoided had Europeans just behaved in a more enlightened way? Eventually, I realized this alternate history actually did happen ... with the Portuguese in China and Japan. The Portuguese arrived with the same desire for wealth and the same impulse to enslave the population. But China and Japan didn't disappear. I think the deciding factor was disease. We remember the cruelty inflicted directly on Native Americans by Europeans, but most Native Americans died of smallpox before even seeing a European. The Inca empire was already collapsing because of disease that was creeping through trade routes. Pizarro's psychopathic behavior was just the surface of a process that was far more horrible.

[@1estel1ch.42]

the aztecs deserved it. the incas did not

[@SummerSun-sg3wf]

I disagree

[@pilotactor777]

Just when I thought I could not be more impressed with this mans' work, I decided to watch on my 58 inch smart TV. The work evolved from sublime to mesmerising. This is quite simply some of the highest quality filmmaking I have ever seen. Wow!!!!!!

[@craigsmith5122]

Hope you use a sound bar with your TV.

[@nushinspace]

None of these "conquerors" were heroes. If only any of them could be held accountable for all the horrors they caused. This 2 part series was devastating. Thank you for sharing these stories.

[@resilience4lyfe331]

Prayerfully they will be held accountable if my beliefs are correct .. if not May Karma have it’s way… May they be reborn as those they conquered next time.. justice for the nameless & named victims.

[@Demane69]

History is to be understood, not judged. Lessons learned can only be applied to the present, and thus judgement can only be placed on us, not those who are already dead. We cannot change the past.

[@Demane69]

@@resilience4lyfe331 Karma is an illusion. A tool of the unempowered. You imply that bad things should befall the descendants of invaders (and countless invasions have occurred throughout history all over this planet), who had nothing to do with actions taken hundreds of years ago. I have a hard time thinking of something more evil than that. Look inward, and seek peace.

[@chanmeili5866]

1:35:25 ​@@resilience4lyfe331

[@jamiebusch9406]

This series is the most visually stunning, thoroughly researched, approachable and comprehensible history series I have ever seen.. reminds me of the very best from the early days of TV, when the BBC and PBS were not corrupted and dumbed down - only better... Amazing series.... Cant thank you enough..

[@joetheeskimo]

When that into music starts, it legitimately moves me on the inside

[@boycey_x4345]

Makes you wanna go poo huh?

[@Cre80s]

@@boycey_x4345 Maybe I need to add the soundtrack to my fiber intake for regularity.

[@jontshyza]

Same that intro sends shivers down my spine

[@CucuExploziv]

I cried ... It is overwhelming. So much suffering to humanity brought on by greed and religious fervour.

[@9poindexter9]

I, too, sobbed during the prayer at the end of this history of the Inca civilization.

[@laurencarter5072]

In the late 60's I climbed all through the Andes after aclimating myself in Cuzco for adventures in the higher mountains...at the time, major discoveries were still being resurrected from the jungle's grip. From jumping off the train at a certain mile marker at the San Pedro valley, to the last incline before entering Machu Picchu from the top (and being stopped by an official for taking photos because I hadn't paid to enter the site) I came in through the back door wearing sweaty Khakis and banged up boots. Books and museums convey only the dry facts and leave the humanity/inhumanity to the imagination. Thank you so much for your thorough lessons in cultural archaeology....Not only bones & buildings. I'm just a weary adventurer who has relived her youth through your outstanding efforts. THANK YOU SO MUCH Paul Cooper and crew!

[@spiralsun1]

The gold of meaning. There is no other gold. Only illusion. Humans are living meaning. But far too Illiterate in the symbols of themselves, life, and universe.

[@travisherring2236]

The more I learn about the history of the Americas (and I wasn't taught much of this in high school back when I went in the 80's), the sadder I become. Such amazing civilizations destroyed by the greed of Europeans, to the point where so little is actually known that they can literally disappear before our eyes. Documentaries like this are a sincere treasure. Thank you for what you've done.

[@adambane1719]

The Bible.... the most destructive book known to humankind.

[@tarajh]

♥︎♡♥︎

[@marketgarden1]

"Such amazing civilizations" you should watch the aztec episodes, they were a peoples whos entire life revolved around war and slavery long before any europeans met them

[@Basti-ej6zw]

@@marketgarden1 it involved war but their life wasn't centered entirely around war

[@mpforeverunlimited]

@@marketgarden1 all indigenous groups are the same? Also the spainiards were much more brutal than the natives in their spread of christianity

[@stephenwhalen2634]

I’ll definitely be watching this multiple times! Gotta make a request, Carthage!

[@jean-francoisaubry]

agree...topic not covered enough, not just here but in general

[@alison6723]

I think Flashpoint History did a series on the Punic wars. Excellent

[@thomascunliffe4758]

Ooh would love this for sure!

[@based_prophet]

Hannibal

[@robspecht9550]

Cathago Delenda Est.

[@RostislavLapshin]

37:44 The Sacsayhuaman is the earliest and simplest star-shaped fortress that survived to our time. See details in the article “Fabrication methods of the polygonal masonry of large tightly-fitted stone blocks with curved surface interfaces in megalithic structures of Peru”. KZbin does not allow a direct link. Search by the article title.

[@inigomontoya8943]

It is fascinating so many things have appeared around the world and the main stream view is that they all evolved independently.

[@RostislavLapshin]

The 10th article edition (DOI: 10.20944/preprints202108.0087.v10) is posted. Search the article by DOI or by title.

[@danielroselle3625]

I’ve studied history, I’ve taught colonial history, and nothing in all my studies has had such an emotional impact on me. I found myself weeping by the end of this. Thank you for this sad and sobering poetry on our human condition.

[@a.m.4607]

The closing moments of these podcasts always send a shiver through my soul.

[@cmasterson]

Yes it's like my soul reasts and is calm and pleased. It makes my soul smile. I dread the endings on many things and this is no different. But when the end of these videos on this channel occur I say "no, no, please more. Just 20 more minutes" lol

[@loslobos786]

Thank you as a descendent of both these peoples it's nice to get something with the native historys in it, so much is lost or misunderstood.

[@dustsky]

Immersive narration, evocative visuals, and tasteful music to blend it all in. It was a pleasure to watch.

[@daniel3231995]

cray production values for independent channel but not so shocking considering the expert cast!

[@milosh9k]

This is a monumental work, congratulations!

[@a.randomjack6661]

I'm only 36 minutes into it and the expression "inhuman humans" keeps lighting up in my mind... It's not the first time. Still, most researched and beautifully crafted history documentaries I ever saw. We are uniquely privileged. Thanks!

[@susiegardener]

"Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn."--Robert Burns

[@mojiyoru6441]

I can relate to this story as a West African. I wish I could turn back time. We were also fighting amongst ourselves when the Europeans came. We had been fighting for a long time, capturing and selling. Then they came.

[@teresafernandez9849]

Thank you mojiyoru, u r a truth teller.

[@thelazy0ne]

Spaniards... everywhere 🤭

[@hamm0155]

Human cruelty is mind boggling. The conquistador episodes are among the most potent of all.

[@stevenh1195]

That intro piano song is my favorite 😍

[@dikdik9309]

For those who want to know the name of the song: 'Home at Last' by John Bartmann

[@DennisMoore664]

An empire divided by internal strife and conflict, and an external power was able to pit one group against another to further their own agenda before taking over the whole place? History does seem to rhyme. And the prayer at the end was a very cool way to finish the show - thank you very much for these. Pre-Columbian archaeology has always been one of my great loves.

[@ausrm001]

It’s not that simple as you present it and it’s a common trope narrative of colonialism. an indigenous civilisation being taken advantage of by the coloniser because of indigenous internal conflict .it reeks of indigenous treatment as being infantile and the coloniser as the psychopath and go hey the history that had to happen . Old countries such as Spain and the UK must be held accountable for the genocide of indigenous countries and societies .

[@daleblue22]

Great work Paul!!! I lived In Bolivia in the 90's and witnessed the struggle and tge suffering of the quechua and aymara people and how still divided between the high land and lowlands based on their heritage😒. I admire your work and research. Thumbs up.

[@phraktl]

Absolutely one of the very best channels on KZbin or anywhere. Every episode is better than the last. Keep up the great work. You are making the world a more educated and better place.

[@garygone5234]

Beautiful. The epitome of how a documentary should be composed and delivered to it's audience. Thank You Dr Cooper. I am certain that all of your works will be viewed by future researchers seeking knowledge of past civilizations and that they will be as awestruck as I am at your thoroughness of all the documentaries that you have created. You are a world treasure.

[@mikef.1000]

I love the way he draws no long bows, and tells us what may have been the case, but what he feels is more likely, before backing it up! So many of these history things have a revisionist agenda, or are lazy and make no attempt to do that hard work that Paul obviously does.

[@BarbaraJV1]

This has been a fascinating and very informative documentary. My husband is Peruvian, and even to this day, there is still anger about how the Spanish treated the Incas.

[@luismcarrion]

Thank you so very much for such detailed and accurate recollection of the rise and fall of the Inca empire and the different cultures before it. I admire the amount of energy, time and detail you've put into telling the epic story of our ancestors. As a proud Peruvian, who's always been fascinated by our culture, it's been a real treat to see these videos and learn even more about our past, despite it being quite painful and saddening at times. There is a very strong sense of nationalism and pride in Peru, but I still think material like these videos should be shown and discussed at schools in Peru, for everyone to better understand our own history. On July 28th we'll celebrate 202 years of independence from Spain. After watching your videos, my sense of pride is even stronger and more present than ever. Once again, thank you VERY MUCH for your work!!! Arriba Perú!!! 👏🏾👏🏾❤❤🇵🇪🇵🇪❤️❤️

[@politecat4236]

Even my cat comes over when your voice comes on now to settle near me peacefully as I watch enraptured and awed by knowledge made so accessible! I repeatedly watch this series of episodes. Outstanding work! I look forward to future videos

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks to you both! My cat is often on my lap while I'm writing and editing them.

[@politecat4236]

@@FallofCivilizations 😻😻😻😻

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

Superb. I have learned more in the last couple of hours than I did in my Emergence of Civilization in the New World course I took in university. Intelligent, artistic and addressing of the humanity of the situations and events. I hope you are proud of your work. It is a pleasure to watch.

[@Jb-Raja]

What a beautiful tribute to the indigenous people of this part of the world. Truly a Masterpiece. Thank You and congratulations on this public service towards the preservation of history.

[@Xergthes]

Wow! these 2 episodes were very eye opening. I have always been taught, the little of Incan history I know, from the Spanish perspective. The story of the rise and fall of the Inca is truly fascinating.

[@artfact2]

Such a heartrenching story. Well told and beautifully produced, so that it may never be forgotten.

[@danielchand944]

That reading by Celia Quispe was painfully beautiful. Made me cry. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@FallofCivilizations]

She is a lovely reader!

[@9poindexter9]

The tears are still flowing half an hour after hearing the closing prayer.

[@animaxima8302]

this has to be the most beautiful and complete documentary about the Incas I've ever seen.

[@175dell]

This was my first episode. Very well narrated and produced. I'm impressed! This scratches the itch the cable channels used to before they went full on "reality TV". Keep it up!

[@rinadror]

Watching this series fascinated me. You managed to visually revive the entire history of the place, of the people and the culture. It is sad that such a culture has become extinct because of greed. Each nation and its local story. Thanks for everything .

[@GabajiVideo]

I'd argue that the civilization is not extinct, but rather threatened. The spirit of the Andes persists in Ecuador, Perú and Bolivia.

[@hman230]

In totality of production value and simple story telling, this is easily the best history channel anywhere anytime

[@joangordoneieio]

This made my night. You and your team are ridiculously talented.

[@elizabethjackson7262]

Thank you for your hard work & research. It is so healing for those of us who were indigenious Americans. To finally hear our stories told. We need more peoole like you.

[@sunstroke1405]

Ive never been to South America, but this thing makes me so sad. I even cant express my feeling properly now...

[@TheGlobalfrog12]

Very simply put...these are all masterpieces...

[@angelitabecerra]

That final poem was beautifully read by both voice actors; very emotive, very powerful

[@nokta7373]

Damn, that last poem got me. Splendid work gentlemen. These stories need to be told and listened to. Thank you for your work.

[@davidcoleman2796]

I loved all of Peru. I spent 6 weeks there in 2011 . I was drinking coca tea in Cusco when I looked up at the TV and saw the tsunami in Japan. Later that day I saw Japanese tourist crying

[@MrLuckystu]

I've watched and / or listened to all your content on Fall, and while all do well to capture ones emotion, pulling us into the feelings of those bearing witness to the time, none have moved me as much as this. Well done and thank you.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you Stuart, really kind of you to say!

[@Turitea]

@@autodidact537 I think Paul Cooper drew a clear comparison between the two. Both sides were utterly base and animalistic. The one difference being that Christianity, which preaches compassion and love for our fellow man, was defamed by the criminal actions of Catholics of the day. How much Inca gold which they lusted after adorns the Vatican?

[@danaharris5357]

Wow. I find tears streaming down my cheeks after listening to this. Powerful stuff.

[@afrikaiswoke5667]

Thank you so much...This series deserves an Award

[@NOMAD-qp3dd]

This 2 parter is one of the greatest things on the internet for the rest of time.

[@CT-ue4kg]

The musical beginning and general pace of these videos is Amazing

[@johnhitchen1617]

An incredible series of history videos.The sheer number of viewers reveals the appeal of these podcasts. I become intranced by the modulated voice of the creator of this series. And I learn just how amazing these civilizations were.

[@TMKSilenced]

The best history "classes" ever. You have a gift; keep it up! Like a Ken Burns style take on "Civilization", but better! "For those who fail to learn from history, are condemned to repeat it."

[@carlroy]

The Inca story are my favorites. They were a great empire of technological prowess in their own right.

[@brycetomecek5065]

The whole scene of Ataluapa being attacked by the Spanish is something out of a wild story. It’s surreal to imagine it actually happened like that.

[@seonasmiles4042]

Splendid info thanks for wonderful information

[@fishofgold6553]

@@seonasmiles4042 And you will thank me for my bottle-smashing KZbin videos once you see them!

[@Boric78]

awesome made my saturday evening.

[@adhithyasodhi3203]

I wish my history teacher had a fraction of your ability to make the past come alive. Thank you indeed

[@FairyWeatherMan]

I visited Cuzco and the Valle Sagrado in 2007. The sense of a beautiful civilization wiped out by a bunch of ruthless barbarians is apparent in every place where Inca buildings are still visibile. If you are planning a visit to Peru, spend some days to visit Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. In my case it was a journey that really touched my soul. Thank you Paul, another masterpiece!!

[@mth469]

All the culture, knowledge, art and history of that civilization..... gone forever on account of greedy barbarians.

[@FairyWeatherMan]

@@mth469 there's an imagine that is still very vivid in my mind: a church built over the basement of an Inca monument (the village is called Qenqo, near Cuzco). The Inca walls, still visibile, are perfect: Stones very neatly stacked, in the typical style Inca builders used for monuments, and above that basement there are the walls of the church made with bricks haphazardly installed with no cure. A christian insult to an ancient temple.

[@mth469]

@@FairyWeatherMan I just heard / read bits and pieces of the audiobook on YT: "A Brief Account of the Destruction of the Indies by Bartolomé de las CASAS" and was throughly disgusted by it. Destruction of buildings almost seems irrelevant compared to the way thousands were murdered as described in the book by witnesses.

[@FairyWeatherMan]

@@mth469 you're absolutely right. De Las Casas writings are an appalling testimony of a genocide. I partially read such writings when I was a student and when I visited Cuzco I was aware of the extermination, but when you are there and look at the details be ready for a strong experience. If you have the opportunity I strongly suggest spending some days in Cuzco and in the Sacred Valley.

[@joebombero1]

Next documentary the Greco-Bactrian kingdom!

[@JonnoPlays]

This is top shelf documentary work. Absolutely amazing visually and in terms of script, narration and sound scape. Thanks for all the hard work that went into this production it was really a pleasure to watch.

[@alexace5584]

The last 20 minutes of this has one be without any words… amazing documentary.

[@brucknerian9664]

One of the best documentaries I've seen;, the prayer at the end is deeply moving, and appropriate right now for everyone, considering what is happening right now. If it keeps going on we will all be like the Incas.

[@lindakay9552]

Paul Cooper. I've listened to so many of your videos, this one just started playing in my queue. I got excited when I heard your opening music. When I realised you were talking about a Spanish person, my brain wanted to innately shut off, as I have no personal connection to Spanish history or culture. However, Your impeccable narration, compelled me as it always does, to give it a go. Now I'm 45 minutes in, and already planning on rewatching it at least a second time to catch anything I've missed this time. Thank you for, somehow, making even the most alienated history seem utterly relevant and familiar. You are the best! 💜

[@christinemartin63]

I've seen nearly all the episodes ... but the Aztec and Inca stories will be forever imprinted in my memory. I recall the play "The Royal Hunt of the Sun." Now I see how this meeting of two cultures played out historically. Stunning retelling!

[@The_ZeroLine]

I did a six-day, five-night hike on the Inca Trail. The beauty of the Peruvian Andes simply cannot be put into words or video. It’s just too huge, panoramic and atmospheric.

[@stivenmax1809halocraft]

No sé cómo lo haces, pero al escuchar su narración, siento como me sumerjo en la historia

[@janieterrel681]

One of the most detailed and quality documentaries I have ever watched, I would love to watch more documentaries produced by this crew.

[@es8559]

Thanks!

[@CheeWaiLee1972]

Thanks so much for doing these podcasts, and then enhancing them with visual imagery. The latter has helped me capture so much more of the content in my mind as I tended to drift in and out of focus when it was audio-only. I really appreciate it!

[@yelnaw]

Some of the greatest content on the entire platform. Thank you very much folks, we love it x

[@mcnally211]

The cruelty is absolutely astonishing. Heartbreaking.

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

I wish I shared you surprise. Unfortunately, the study of history reveals that this pattern of behavior is absolutely universal. One thing separates 16th century conquerors from the rest - a declaration that they are Christians and therefore somehow morally superior to all others. Yet, the behavior betrays a profound ignorance of the faith's prophet. Just reading the Sermon on the Mount would prompt a normal man to guilt, but somehow they felt none. Because they professed Christianity, my judgement against them allows no mercy. The forerunners (conquerors) were not Christian and therefore behaved as they were meant, in accord with traditions of their forefathers. (This reasoning applies to the so-called converted Vikings and Anglo-Saxons, which served to create alliances, more so than Christians).

[@ArchLordXarnor]

@@gaslitworldf.melissab2897 Religion stopped doing humanity favors thousands of years ago.

[@BernardSolomon]

We know because it is written and recorded in languages we know. But we are far removed from what happened under the Assyrians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Mongols etc. People suffered then too, in much the same way. Humans are vile towards each other, even as they are capable of great things. Doesn't matter what the colour of their skin, their religion or culture.

[@mth469]

The smartest thing the founding fathers of America did was to enshrine the right to bare arms (i.e. guns) in the US Constitution. and also guarantee the freedoms of the citizenry by preventing control / corruption of the monetary system by banksters and other thieves. Since then, corrupt politicians have been trying to undo all that at the urging of banksters, corporations..etc and their lobbyists and return society to serfdom by eliminating privacy and enforcing a fraudulent fiat monetary system and soon central bank digital currency system to enslave the masses. These utter morons have no idea how they are destroying the future of the world and how long and hard it took to win those freedoms.

[@jillw2015]

Have you listened to the Easter Island one? It stayed with me.

[@EstonTaylor]

Paul Cooper, you and your team have created some of the best content on the web right now. Mega kudos to you guys and keep up the great work!!!

[@eyeteethsightbytes153]

Been looking forward to this!

[@wildalbalass4867]

Me too.

[@Deebz270]

Excellent. Fautless. As consummate as ever, Paul delivers a stunning account of what befalls civilisations that reach beyond their capacity and with greed and power, ultmatley fixing their fates... A dynamic still largely at play all over the world today.

[@arghyl]

I wonder how much of that blood stained gold still adorns to Vatican today.

[@margaretr5701]

I was also wondering, where did all the gold and silver, often beautiful art, end up.

[@angelyotov8246]

I love the way you got me right in the feels at the end bro 🤣

[@crickety4ever]

What I'm learning from these fall of civilization videos is that if you don't want to be taken over by someone else, then you must become strong enough to defend yourself. Amazing video and storytelling.

[@glc0stanza]

Hmmm I'm learning that a lot of truly advanced civilizations sprawled for thousands of years in peace and prosperity before facing that lesson. Although, protection seems to be a loaded word. Protection seems to run alongside control and those can be illusions when you face a force that one cannot be prepared for.

[@Bulgarian021]

This guy and his team / I mean P. Cooper/ is really amazing, a genius i would say. This truly is a compliment from someone like me who usually really dislikes streamers/ youtubers/ tik-tokers. This channel really is great !

[@mspocahontas46]

These are Fabulous podcasts!! I’ve watched the one on Iceland twice! Thank you for sharing your brilliance in creating these podcasts with us!

[@sean6775]

Amazing work as always. Ngl, I cried during Pachacuti's prayer at the end. That voice actor was awesome, and you always set the stage with "imagine this..." It's both brutal and beautiful every time. I love how you end your videos. It shows respect and empathy for the culture. So much wanton destruction born of one man's greed and envy. I hope somehow that Pizarro knows how little respect his name commands.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Sean, very kind!

[@teemorris5757]

Can't wait til tonight.......storytelling time the most relaxing time of my life.Blessings and love upon all. Love these shows and all the hard work you all do, love your voice too, relaxing.

[@phantom20071]

Phenomenal work! I've watched all of the first 12 episodes and they provide information I had never heard from any source before. Thank you for the amazing effort.

[@louiswu6362]

Always pumped when I see a new upload!

[@jorgearango6108]

Extraordinary!!! Learn much about the Inca and their incredible civilization. Thank you

[@randomnickify]

Me: it's weekend, let's do something creative! Fall of Civilizations: No! ;)

[@deanfawcett2085]

Absolutely fascinating analysis. When I was young we studied the Inca but I was not aware of the civil war in progress at the exact moment of invasion. My interest in visiting has re-emerged!

[@JAGFG42]

I love this series, I would really appreciate a year counter in the upper corner or something, knowing when the years are changing as a visual would be greatly appreciated

[@ChubbyTeletubby]

You have done a BRILLIANT job!!!! All of you, who had a hand in this series - bravo! I am so thankful.

[@jfu5222]

The Fall of Civilizations channel is among the best history on KZbin. I'm running through the playlist a second time and feel like I'm learning as much as when I first watched these episodes. Thank you.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Welcome back!

[@missdavid8976]

Amazing 2 part series... well done. 💗 thank you for putting all this together. I really enjoyed watching, learning, and listening.

[@rickbiessman6084]

I can’t find any words for how disgusted I am at the actions of the conquerors who prided themselves in destroying entire civilizations, driven by their insatiable greed. I can’t help but feel somewhat satisfied that they ended up fighting each other, but that’s misguided too... and it could never make up for the wholesale destruction they brought upon South America. And I don’t think it’s an exaggeration when I say that we have them to thank for political instabilities of today. As always, Mr. Cooper, I am amazed at how you manage to draw the listener/viewer in so deeply. I’ve watched enough episodes that I’m more than happy to commit 2+ hours of my day to listening to a new episode. I love the level of detail that you choose, the way you always manage to retell the story with a perfect story arc, and the balance between simply relaying facts and making them approachable by poetic language and music. Thank you so much!!!

[@AndrewTheMandrew531]

Oh, and sorry for bad English.

[@valeriepastrychef7500]

I always get so excited 😁 when I see a new upload! Thank you, Sir!

[@TheAlchaemist]

Your channel is a precious jewel which worthes much more than all the gold you can imagine. Thank you.

[@jeannierauch3540]

Best history content to be found. Thankyou and please keep em coming!

[@onehandfencer3912]

I was a kid when I've read about the history of Pizarro conquering the Inca, but the whole book was centred on the legend of the supposed gold treasure hidden by the Inca, legend spread by Atahualpa himself, when he showed Pizarro a grain of corn saying: "I gave you this". Than he turned over the whole bowl of corn. "I can give you this", he said. Seeing this documentary and the type of shrewd, ruthless politician Atahualpa was, we know now that was a lie. And Pizarro knew too. But this is how mainstream history is being written. Fables to woo the public or serve a certain political agenda. BUT THE TRUTH IS ALWAYS A THOUSANT TIMES MORE FASCINATING.

[@ezragonzalez8936]

Paul another absolutely magnificent presentation with the upmost appreciation and respect to the memory and legacy to yet another beautiful destroyed by the endless and savage greed of humanity! cheers from Salt Lake City!

[@RamblinJer]

Mr. Cooper, your work is impeccable. You've taken history to another level and brought it back to life. Well done!