Inca Empire

Definition

The Inca Empire was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, existing from the early 15th century until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. It was known for its impressive administrative structure, vast network of roads, and advanced agricultural techniques, which helped sustain a diverse population across the Andes mountains.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Inca Empire expanded rapidly under the leadership of Pachacuti, who transformed it from a small kingdom into a vast empire through military conquests and strategic alliances.
2. Inca society was highly organized, with a hierarchical structure that included the Sapa Inca at the top, followed by nobles, priests, and commoners.
3. The Incas developed advanced agricultural practices, including terrace farming and irrigation systems, allowing them to cultivate diverse crops such as potatoes, maize, and quinoa.
4. The extensive road network built by the Incas facilitated communication and trade across their mountainous territory, stretching over 25,000 miles.
5. Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro defeated the Incas in 1532, leading to the collapse of the empire and significant cultural changes in the region.

Review Questions

• What were some key aspects of the administrative structure of the Inca Empire and how did they contribute to its stability?
  • The Inca Empire had a highly organized administrative structure with the Sapa Inca at its helm. The empire was divided into four regions called suyus, each governed by an official who reported directly to the Sapa Inca. This centralization allowed for efficient resource management and facilitated communication across vast distances. The use of quipu for record-keeping also contributed to administrative efficiency, enabling better control over taxation and labor obligations.
• Discuss the significance of agriculture in the Inca Empire's economy and how it supported its population.
  • Agriculture was crucial to the economy of the Inca Empire, supporting a large population that thrived in diverse Andean environments. The Incas used advanced agricultural techniques such as terrace farming to adapt to mountainous terrain and developed irrigation systems to maximize crop yield. Crops like potatoes and maize became staples for sustenance and trade. This agricultural productivity not only supported their own people but also enabled the Incas to engage in trade with neighboring regions, further strengthening their empire.
• Evaluate the impact of Spanish conquest on the Inca Empire's cultural heritage and legacy in South America.
  • The Spanish conquest led by Francisco Pizarro had a profound impact on the Inca Empire's cultural heritage. The destruction of Incan cities, including Machu Picchu, symbolized the loss of indigenous culture as Spanish colonizers imposed their own customs and religion. The introduction of new technologies, crops, and livestock transformed Andean society, while diseases brought by Europeans decimated the native population. Despite this upheaval, aspects of Incan culture persisted through syncretism, influencing contemporary South American traditions and identities.

Related terms

Sapa Inca:

The Sapa Inca was the emperor of the Inca Empire, considered both a political and religious leader with absolute power over his subjects.

Quipu:

Quipu was a recording system used by the Incas consisting of knotted strings, which served as a tool for accounting and communication.

Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located high in the Andes, renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction and significant archaeological value.