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Just another brick in the wall? Constructing Cuzco, capital of the Inka Empire
08 March 2023, 6:30 pm–8:30 pm
Professor Bill Sillar (UCL Institute of Archaeology) will give his Inaugural Lecture at UCL on 8 March.
This event is free.
Event Information
Open to
- All
Availability
- Sold out
Cost
- Free
Organiser
-
Prof Andrew Reynolds
Location
-
Archaeology Lecture Theatre G6UCL Institute of Archaeology31-34 Gordon SquareLondonWC1H 0PYUnited Kingdom
This event has been rescheduled from 1 February 2023.
Abstract
The Inka Capital was a relatively small city for an Empire that stretched across 4000km of South America, but Cuzco’s monumental buildings formed a ceremonial centre that astounded Spanish Conquistadors and continues to draw modern tourists. Research with colleagues has identified a sequence of construction starting before the conventional 1400 AD date. Our analysis of changes in access to materials and stone-working techniques demonstrate the increasing power of the Inka and changing priorities of the ruling elite. Some enigmas remain to be resolved: opportunities for future research and collaboration.
Doors will open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.
About the Speaker
Bill Sillar
Professor of Archaeology and Technology in Society at UCL Institute of Archaeology
After starting a BSc at the Institute of Archaeology in 1982, a PhD at Cambridge and teaching at the University of Wales, Bill Sillar returned to the IoA in 1998.
Bill researches the social significance of technology, particularly through fieldwork in Peru and Bolivia, including ethnographic studies with potters and archaeological research at Raqchi and Cuzco. He enjoys teaching, particularly through practical work such as Experimental Archaeology collaborations with Butser Ancient Farm.
More about Bill Sillar
