How can archaeologists in Lima save old Inca sites? Jorge Arrunategui is the Deputy Minister of Heritage in Peru. He has worked to make dozens of museums and sites free to visit. Will that help Peruvians enjoy their heritage? Will it teach them to value their history? Maybe. But many Peruvians just don’t care to see the sites. In fact, they may not even notice them—in the same way you don’t notice each tree on your street. They have lived their whole lives next to them!

Of course, some people do value the haucas. But even they have a hard time protecting them. Ms. Rojas’s home stands next to a 2,100-year-old group of buildings and pyramids. They were once used for religious and burial ceremonies. The Rojas family vowed to take care of the site. But that promise is hard to keep. People come to steal from the property. They have even used its walls for gun target practice. With dangers like these, are the ancient sites really worth fighting for?

People are not done learning about the Incas—or ancient South American people who came even before them. God made people to be curious about His world. He created us to study the story He is writing with history. No wonder archaeologists want the historical sites undisturbed! Each ruined ruin is a missed opportunity to learn about God’s amazing work.

Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. ― Psalm 111:2