Inka Predecessors and Andean Civilizations

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts regarding the Inka empire and earlier Andean civilizations, essential for understanding the region's history and cultural development.

Inka Empire

Formed AD 1438, preceding the Spanish conquest in 1532, it governed 10 million people and encompassed various groups and languages.

Tawantinsuyu

The name of the Inka empire, which reflects its quadripartite organization.

Quechua

The language of the Inka, spoken by various cultures in the Andean region.

Chinchorro Culture

A Preceramic desert and fishing culture known for its mortuary ceremonialism and mummies.

Chavin de Huantar

An archetypal site and culture of the Early Horizon, recognized for its complex religious imagery.

Middle Horizon

Period from AD 600-1000, characterized by the Wari and Tiwanaku empires, known for engineering and monumentality.

Chimu Empire

An expansionary coastal empire with its capital at Chan Chan, conquered by the Inka in 1470.

Cotton Preceramic

A period from 3000-1800 BC characterized by ceremonial sites and trade with coastal fishing cultures.

Raimondi Stele

An important artifact from the Chavín de Huántar site, associated with the Early Horizon.

Verticality Concept

Refers to the sociopolitical organization and economic systems of Andean cultures, adapting to its challenging environment.