[CLIP: Theme music] Rachel Feltman: Archaeology can reveal shocking similarities between modern-day humans and our most distant, ancient ancestors. But it just as often allows us awe-inspiring glimpses into feats our species accomplished without the aid of technologies we now take for granted. It can also force us to confront historical practices that shock our modern sensibilities—and leave us grappling with thorny ethical questions.
For Science Quickly , I’m Rachel Feltman. You’re listening to the final episode of our three-part Fascination series on extreme archaeology. If you’re just tuning in, make sure to circle back to the episodes we posted last Friday and the Friday before that.
You’ll hear about everything from the surprising sophistication of prehistoric stargazing to the study of ingenious ancient fishing techniques that have persisted to this day. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Back again with us is the award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist Kata Karáth. She’s taking us on one more adventure—this time to the top of a mountain with a climate so extreme it’s practically alien—to introduce us to archaeologists who study human sacrifice. Before we get started, a quick note about language: Quechu.