Ghosts of Machu Picchu

Gr 9 Up—The mysterious origins of Machu Picchu and its inhabitants are explored from new angles in this documentary. Located on a steep precipice in the Peruvian mountainside above the Urubamba River Valley, the ancient Incan city remains shrouded in speculation. Abandoned over 400 years ago, the community is comprised of roughly 200 buildings nested on nearly 700 terraces. As the Inca did not have the benefit of wheels or steel tools to construct Machu Picchu, which towers 8,000 feet above sea level, it remains an engineering marvel. The hows and whys of this virtually inaccessible location have continued to baffle social scientists, historians, and archeologists. Through vivid aerial footage and detailed graphic representations, the film focuses on four major themes: the meteoric rise and fall of the largest indigenous empire in the Americas; the symbolic and cultural importance of Machu Picchu; the intricate underground engineering of the community; and the people who built, protected, and healed the inhabitants of the city. The fine male narration, interviews with experts, gorgeous photography, and well-done reenactments will engage viewers. This documentary will enhance high school and college-level courses in history, cultural anthropology, and sociology.—Vincent M. Livoti, Sherrill Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA