Characteristics of the Inca Empire

Flashcards based on the key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture about the Inca Empire.

Sapa Inca

The ultimate ruler of the Inca Empire, considered a descendant of the sun god.

Apu

A lord of one of the four quarters of the Inca Empire, usually a close relative of the Sapa Inca.

Curacas

Local leaders responsible for managing households and resources within an Inca province.

Mita System

A labor system requiring adult men to work for the state for a certain number of days each year.

Quipu

An Inca tool for record-keeping consisting of a main string with colored threads tied to it, used to represent numerical data.

Ayllu

The basic unit of Incan society, a community of families that shared land and resources.

Illapa

The Inca god of thunder and weather, believed to control rain.

Cuzco

The capital city of the Inca Empire, significant for its political and religious importance.

Huaca

Sacred places identified by the Inca, including natural features such as mountains and springs.

Pachamama

The earth goddess worshipped by the Inca, symbolizing fertility and agriculture.

Aqllakuna

A group of women in the Inca Empire who made textiles and chicha for temples.

Pachacuti

An influential Inca emperor known for reorganizing Inca society and religion.