Tracking Mites to Track Incas?

An interesting article on the study of dust mites in order to reveal Inca history. I am not sure how exact this method is but thought I would share it here for the members.

Inca history revealed through dung-eating mites

Washington, Mar.29: Counting excrement-eating mites has helped scientists to measure the rise and fall of some ancient civilizations.
The new technique, detailed in the current issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science, reveals for the first time the level of trade and economic activity during the Inca Empire, which stretched from the present-day Colombian border to the middle of Chile.

The Inca ruled the largest empire on Earth till 1533 and, within a century, a population estimated at 30 million was reduced by 90 percent, devastated by newly introduced diseases such as influenza and smallpox.