Inca

Definition

The Inca were a powerful civilization that thrived in the Andes Mountains of South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. They are known for their advanced engineering, agricultural practices, and vast empire, which connected various regions across modern-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, with an estimated population of around 10 million people at its height.
2. The Incas developed an extensive network of roads and bridges across their mountainous territory, facilitating trade and communication throughout the empire.
3. They practiced advanced agricultural techniques, including terrace farming and irrigation systems, to cultivate crops like potatoes and maize in harsh environments.
4. The Inca society was highly organized, with a centralized bureaucracy that managed resources, labor, and tribute from various regions within the empire.
5. Their decline began with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in the early 16th century, who exploited internal strife and captured the Sapa Inca Atahualpa.

Review Questions

• How did the Inca's engineering and agricultural techniques contribute to their empire's expansion and sustainability?
  • The Incas utilized impressive engineering skills to build extensive road systems and suspension bridges, allowing for efficient movement of armies, goods, and information across their mountainous terrain. Their advanced agricultural techniques, such as terrace farming and irrigation systems, enabled them to maximize crop yields despite challenging environmental conditions. This combination of infrastructure and innovative farming practices helped sustain their large population and supported their empire's expansion into diverse regions.
• Evaluate the role of the Sapa Inca in maintaining control over the vast Inca Empire and its diverse subjects.
  • The Sapa Inca served as both the political leader and a divine figure, which played a crucial role in legitimizing his authority over the empire. This dual identity helped unify various ethnic groups under a single rule, fostering loyalty among subjects. The Sapa Inca utilized a centralized bureaucracy to govern effectively, enforce tribute demands, and manage resources across the expansive territory. The emphasis on loyalty to the Sapa Inca facilitated cohesion within the diverse empire.
• Analyze how internal conflicts within the Inca Empire contributed to its vulnerability against Spanish conquest.
  • Internal conflicts, particularly the civil war between Atahualpa and Huáscar over succession, significantly weakened the Inca Empire just before Spanish arrival. These divisions distracted military focus and led to diminished loyalty among subjects. When Francisco Pizarro arrived, he exploited these tensions by forming alliances with discontented groups within the empire. The lack of unity during this critical time allowed Spanish forces to capture Atahualpa easily and subsequently dismantle the Incan political structure.

Related terms

Machu Picchu: An ancient Incan city located high in the Andes Mountains, renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and terraced agriculture.

Quipu:

A system of knotted strings used by the Incas for record-keeping and communication, as they did not have a written language.

Sapa Inca:

The title given to the emperor of the Inca Empire, considered both a political leader and a divine figure.