Inca

Definition

The Inca were the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, existing from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. They are renowned for their sophisticated administrative system, impressive architectural achievements, and extensive road networks that connected their vast territory in the Andean region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Inca Empire stretched over 2,500 miles along the western coast of South America, encompassing parts of modern-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile.
2. Inca society was highly stratified, with a clear hierarchy that included nobles, commoners, and slaves, with the Sapa Inca at the top.
3. The Incas were expert engineers and builders, constructing impressive structures such as temples, fortresses, and agricultural terraces that adapted to their mountainous environment.
4. Their extensive road system, known as the Qhapaq Ñan, facilitated communication and trade across difficult terrains, enhancing the cohesion of the vast empire.
5. Inca religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods including Inti, the sun god, and Pachamama, the earth goddess, reflecting their deep connection to nature.

Review Questions

• How did the Inca's engineering skills contribute to their expansion and control over their empire?
  • The Inca's advanced engineering skills allowed them to construct impressive architectural feats like temples and fortresses as well as an extensive road network. This infrastructure enabled efficient communication and movement of troops across their vast territory, facilitating both expansion and administrative control. Their ability to adapt to challenging Andean terrain also ensured that agriculture flourished, which supported a growing population.
• Analyze how Inca society was structured and what roles different social classes played within their civilization.
  • Inca society was organized into a strict hierarchical structure, with the Sapa Inca at the apex as both a political leader and divine figure. Nobles held significant power and managed local affairs while commoners made up the majority of the population and engaged in farming or labor. Slaves occupied the lowest tier and were typically prisoners of war or individuals unable to pay debts. This social structure allowed for effective governance but also underscored the disparities within Inca society.
• Evaluate the impact of Spanish conquest on Inca civilization and its legacy in South America.
  • The Spanish conquest had a profound impact on Inca civilization, leading to its rapid decline and eventual collapse by the mid-16th century. The introduction of new diseases by Europeans decimated the native population, undermining their social structure. Additionally, the Spanish imposed new governance and religion upon the conquered territories. Despite this destruction, aspects of Inca culture, such as agricultural practices and language like Quechua, have endured in modern South American societies, demonstrating their lasting legacy.

Related terms

Quechua: The indigenous language spoken by the Inca and still used by millions in the Andes today.

Machu Picchu: An iconic Inca citadel located in the Andes, known for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and breathtaking scenery.

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