This illustrated volume tells the stories of the civilizations that succeeded one another over the centuries high up on the dry plateaus and snowy peaks of the Andes between 3000 BC and 1533 AD, the year that brought the collapse of the Inca world. Chapter One outlines the Nazca, Moche and Chimu cultures, whilst the second chapter describes the daily life of the Incas. Chapter Three is an exploration of their arts and crafts, in particular weaving and metalwork, but also touching on aspects of religion, society and thought. The last part of the book considers the most interesting archaeological sites, from the ancient mudbrick pyramids of the ceremonial coast centres to the amazing stone Inca cities. There is also a short discussion of the cultures of Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia, which have always been connected with those of Peru. At the end of this section Professor Walter Alva presents the extraordinary and rich treasure found in Sipan.