The Time Compass: The Inca Empire

Based on a series of books, this excellent, fast-paced program combines knowledgeable narration, computer animation, landmarks, maps, and corny features (such as wisecracking animals) to provide an info-packed primer on the Inca empire. Exploring the Incas' origins and history in the Andes region, innovative techniques (including crop terraces and irrigation systems), military strength, impressive architecture, and methods of accounts and records (including quipu knots), The Inca Empire also looks at the royal government and prevailing laws, as well as what happened to the Incas following the 16th-century invasion by Spanish conquistadores. For context, the documentary also explores simultaneous cultures and events around the world (touching on the Ottoman Turks and Shogun Ieyasu's samurai warriors). Providing a ton of data with kid-friendly nuances (“If you like French fries, you should thank the Incas,” due to their advances in potato cultivation), this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: I, J, P. (J. Williams-Wood)