Inca society

Definition

Inca society was a highly organized civilization that thrived in the Andean region of South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Known for its advanced agricultural practices, architectural achievements, and complex political structures, Inca society was centered around the concept of ayllu, a system of community cooperation that played a crucial role in their social and economic organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Inca society was incredibly hierarchical, with the Sapa Inca at the top, followed by nobles, artisans, farmers, and laborers.
2. The Incas developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, such as terracing and irrigation, which allowed them to cultivate a variety of crops in harsh mountainous terrain.
3. Religion played a significant role in Inca society, with a pantheon of gods and regular ceremonies to appease them, including sacrifices.
4. The Inca road system was one of the most extensive in the ancient world, facilitating trade and military movement across vast distances in their empire.
5. Despite lacking a written language, the Incas effectively communicated and managed their empire through quipus, which recorded numerical data and important information.

Review Questions

• How did the structure of Inca society impact its agricultural practices and community organization?
  • The hierarchical structure of Inca society significantly influenced its agricultural practices through the ayllu system. This communal organization enabled families to work together on shared land, maximizing productivity and ensuring that all members contributed to food production. With collective efforts focused on farming techniques like terracing, the Incas were able to sustain large populations despite challenging environmental conditions.
• Analyze the role of religion in Inca society and its influence on daily life and governance.
  • Religion was deeply intertwined with every aspect of Inca society, shaping both daily life and governance. The Incas worshipped numerous gods associated with natural elements and agriculture, which dictated their agricultural calendar and ceremonies. The Sapa Inca was considered a divine figure with religious authority, making religious practices crucial for legitimizing his rule and ensuring harmony within the empire.
• Evaluate how Inca innovations in record-keeping and infrastructure contributed to their ability to maintain control over a vast empire.
  • Inca innovations such as quipus for record-keeping and an extensive road network were essential for managing their expansive territory. Quipus allowed for efficient tracking of resources, population counts, and tribute payments without a written language. Meanwhile, the road system facilitated communication and troop movement across rugged landscapes, enabling rapid responses to local issues and reinforcing central authority throughout the empire. This combination of innovations supported effective governance and integration of diverse regions under Inca control.

Related terms

Ayllu: A traditional form of community organization among the Incas, where families worked collectively on shared land and resources.

Quipu:

A recording device made of colored strings and knots used by the Incas for accounting and keeping records.

Sapa Inca:

The title given to the emperor of the Inca Empire, considered to be a direct descendant of the sun god and holding absolute power over the empire.