Inca

Definition

The Inca were a powerful pre-Columbian civilization that dominated the Andean region of South America. They established a vast empire, known as the Inca Empire or Tawantinsuyu, which was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Inca were renowned for their advanced architecture, engineering, and administrative systems, as well as their rich cultural traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Inca Empire was one of the most advanced and organized civilizations in the Americas, with a highly efficient system of roads, communication, and administration.
2. The Inca had a sophisticated agricultural system, including the use of terraced farming and irrigation, which allowed them to produce a surplus of food and support a large population.
3. The Inca were skilled engineers and architects, building impressive structures such as the famous Machu Picchu, which was a royal estate and religious site.
4. The Inca had a complex social and political structure, with a hierarchical system of government and a well-developed bureaucracy.
5. The Inca Empire was eventually conquered by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in the 16th century, leading to the downfall of the Inca civilization.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features of the Inca Empire's political and administrative structure.
  • The Inca Empire had a highly centralized and hierarchical political structure, with the Sapa Inca (the supreme ruler) at the top. The empire was divided into four administrative regions, known as suyus, each with its own governor and bureaucracy. The Inca had an efficient system of communication and transportation, with a network of roads and relay stations, known as tambos, that allowed for the rapid movement of information and goods throughout the empire.
• Explain the significance of the Inca's advanced agricultural and engineering practices.
  • The Inca were renowned for their sophisticated agricultural techniques, which included the use of terraced farming, irrigation systems, and the cultivation of a diverse range of crops. This allowed them to produce a surplus of food and support a large population. Additionally, the Inca were skilled engineers and architects, building impressive structures such as Machu Picchu, which showcased their advanced construction methods and understanding of engineering principles. These technological and agricultural advancements were crucial to the Inca Empire's prosperity and expansion.
• Analyze the impact of the Spanish conquest on the Inca civilization and its legacy.
  • The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century ultimately led to the downfall of the Inca Empire. The Inca were no match for the Spanish's superior military technology and tactics, and the introduction of European diseases decimated the Inca population. The conquest by the Spanish resulted in the destruction of the Inca's political, social, and cultural systems, leading to the loss of much of their traditional knowledge and practices. However, the Inca's legacy lives on in the form of their impressive architectural and engineering feats, as well as their cultural traditions, which have had a lasting impact on the Andean region and the broader world.

Related terms

Quechua: The language spoken by the Inca and other indigenous groups in the Andes, which became the official language of the Inca Empire.

Cuzco: The capital city of the Inca Empire, which was the center of their political, economic, and cultural power.

Sapa Inca: The supreme ruler of the Inca Empire, who was believed to be a direct descendant of the sun god, Inti.