Inca Empire Notes

Inca Empire

The Inca Empire emerged in South America around the same time as the Aztec Empire.
The Inca constructed an empire along the Andes Mountains and the west coast of South America.
They were skilled architects and engineers, known for their extensive road and bridge network.
This network aided their central government in controlling remote areas of the empire.
In 1532, the Spanish arrived in South America, leading to the Inca emperor's death and the empire's downfall.
Inca emperors expanded the territory rapidly within a century.
By 1525, the empire stretched 2,600 miles.
The Inca had an army and messenger system that utilized 12,500 miles of roads.
In 1533, the Spanish conquistador Pizarro conquered the Inca.
In 1438, the Inca, based in Cuzco, initiated the empire's expansion.
The Inca Empire existed from 1438-1533.
The empire included the Inca capital, main roads, and desert regions.

Architecture: Built large limestone pyramids for religious ceremonies.
Calendar: Developed an accurate 365-day solar calendar.
Agriculture: Created floating island gardens with lake mud for growing food.

Architecture: Constructed enormous stone buildings with great precision.
Medicine: Successfully operated on skull injuries.
Transportation: Built an extensive network of roads and suspension bridges.
A civil war weakened the empire between 1525-1532.
Francisco Pizarro captured Atahualpa, the Inca emperor, and held him for ransom, later killing him even after the ransom was paid.