Introduction to the Inca Empire

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the Inca Empire's history, culture, and societal structure.

Inca Empire

The largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas, known for its advanced road systems and agricultural techniques.

Tawantinsuyu

The Quechua name for the Inca Empire, meaning 'Land of Four Quarters'.

Sapa Inca

The title of the emperor of the Inca Empire, regarded as a descendant of Inti, the sun god.

Quipu

A record-keeping device used by the Inca, consisting of colored strings and knots to track data such as taxes and crop yields.

Ayllu

A family group in Inca society, responsible for managing land and resources for agricultural work.

Machu Picchu

An important archaeological site of the Inca Empire, often called 'the city in the clouds'.

Terraced farming

An agricultural practice in which flat areas cut into the hillside are used to grow crops, effective for the Andean environment.

Mita

A labor tax in the Inca Empire where households provided workers for public projects, including agriculture and construction.

Cuzco

The capital city of the Inca Empire, considered the 'navel of the world'.

Andes Mountains

The mountain range that runs along the western edge of South America, home to the Inca Empire.

Pyramid of Power

A hierarchical structure in Inca society where the Sapa Inca sits at the top, followed by nobles and commoners.

Spanish Conquistadors

Spanish explorers and conquerors, notably Francisco Pizarro, who defeated the Inca Empire in the 16th century.