Inca Empire Flashcards

Flashcards about the Inca Empire, its government, economy, society, religion, and achievements.

Who was Pachacuti?

A ruler who began to expand Inca territory in the mid-1400s.

What policies did Pachacuti use to prevent conquered people from having too much power?

To remove local leaders and replace them with trusted new officials and to educate the children of conquered leaders in Cuzco.

What was the official Incan language used to unify the empire?

Quechua.

What was the mita?

A labor tax system in which people paid taxes in the form of labor rather than money.

Who made up the upper class in Inca society?

The emperor, government officials, and priests.

Who made up the lower class in Inca society?

Farmers, artisans, and servants.

What crops did Incas grow in warmer valleys?

Maize and peanuts.

What crop did Incas grow on terraces carved into cooler mountainsides?

Potatoes.

What animals did people raise high in the Andes for wool and meat?

Llamas.

How did the Incas view their rulers in relation to religion?

They thought the rulers were related to the sun god and never really died.

What did the Inca sacrifice?

Llamas, cloth, or food.

What were the Incas known for as master builders?

Expert masonry or stonework.

What were quipus?

Knotted cords used to keep records.