Inca Empire

Definition

The Inca Empire was a vast and sophisticated civilization that thrived in South America from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 1530s. Centered in what is now Peru, it was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, known for its advanced engineering, agricultural practices, and intricate road systems that facilitated trade and communication across diverse terrains. The empire played a crucial role in shaping the history of the Andes region and had significant interactions with European explorers and conquistadors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Inca Empire was established by Pachacuti in the mid-15th century and expanded rapidly through conquest and diplomacy to cover a vast territory along the western coast of South America.
2. Inca society was highly organized, with a centralized government that controlled agriculture, labor, and resources through a system called 'mit'a,' which required subjects to contribute labor to state projects.
3. The Incas were known for their impressive architectural achievements, including the construction of extensive stone roads, terraces for agriculture, and monumental structures like Sacsayhuamán.
4. The empire's economy was based on agriculture, with crops such as potatoes, maize, and quinoa cultivated using advanced farming techniques, including irrigation systems and terrace farming.
5. Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro captured Atahualpa in 1532, which marked the beginning of the rapid decline of the Inca Empire due to Spanish military technology and disease outbreaks.

Review Questions

• How did the Inca Empire's agricultural practices contribute to its success as a civilization?
  • The Inca Empire's agricultural practices were essential to its success. The Incas developed advanced farming techniques like terrace farming, which allowed them to cultivate crops on steep mountainsides. They also created sophisticated irrigation systems to manage water resources effectively. These innovations led to increased food production, which supported a large population and allowed for trade and economic stability within the empire.
• Evaluate the impact of Spanish conquest on the Inca Empire's political structure and society.
  • The Spanish conquest had a devastating impact on the Inca Empire's political structure and society. After capturing Atahualpa, Spanish forces disrupted the centralized governance that had characterized the Inca administration. This led to a power vacuum and internal conflict among indigenous groups. Additionally, diseases brought by Europeans decimated the population, weakening social structures and eroding traditional practices. Ultimately, Spanish colonization dismantled the Inca way of life, leading to significant cultural changes.
• Analyze how Incan achievements in engineering and architecture influenced subsequent developments in South America after their decline.
  • Incan achievements in engineering and architecture laid foundational principles that influenced subsequent developments in South America. Their sophisticated road networks facilitated trade and communication across diverse regions long after their empire fell. Additionally, their construction techniques using precisely cut stones without mortar became a model for later builders. The enduring legacy of Incan infrastructure can be seen today in modern transportation routes and urban planning in regions once part of the empire.

Related terms

Quipu: An ancient Incan tool used for record-keeping and communication, consisting of colored strings and knots that represented numerical data and other information.

Machu Picchu: A famous Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains, known for its archaeological significance and remarkable stone construction.

Atahualpa: The last emperor of the Inca Empire, who was captured and executed by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro during the Spanish conquest.