Inca notes

Life in the Andes

  • Life in the Andes was challenging due to:

    • Steep mountain slopes limiting fertile land for farming.

    • Difficulty in finding water sources for crops.

  • To mitigate these issues, the Inca developed a system known as terrace farming:

    • Construction of walls on hillsides to create terraces (wide steps on the mountainsides).

    • Terraces enabled the cultivation of crops in otherwise steep areas by providing flat areas for plowing, watering, and harvesting.

    • The terrace system increased agricultural land utilization and prevented topsoil erosion during heavy rains.

  • Climate Considerations:

    • Rainfall occurs regularly from December to March, with sporadic dry periods throughout the rest of the year.

    • The Inca built extensive canal systems for irrigation to ensure water supply for their farms and cities:

    • Canals made daily tasks (such as washing clothes) significantly easier due to fresh water access.

Terrace Farming

  • An exemplary site for terrace farming is Machu Picchu, a major city of the Inca.

Government Structure

  • The Inca Empire was ruled by a king known as the Sapa Inca.

  • Two main types of taxes were collected:

    1. Crop tax: A tax on the agricultural produce of all citizens.

    2. Mita Tax: A labor tax requiring men aged 16 to 60 to contribute labor to the government for part of the year.

  • Significant ruler: Pachacuti

    • Notable actions of Pachacuti:

    • Removed local leaders, replacing them with those he trusted.

    • Sent children of conquered peoples to Cusco for education on Inca culture.

    • Mandated a common language, Quechua, to unify the empire.

    • Responsible for the construction of Machu Picchu.

Religion and Beliefs

  • Inca spirituality centered around various gods:

    • Inti: The most important god, representing the Sun.

  • Temples were elaborate, characterized by gold floors and walls.

  • Strong beliefs in the afterlife and heavens were prevalent among the Inca.

Role of Priests

  • Priests held significant societal importance, often closely related to the Emperor.

Achievements of the Inca

  • Quipus: A communication system consisting of strings with knots, where:

    • The number, size, and distance of knots had specific meanings, critical for record-keeping.

    • Only trained officials could interpret quipus, primarily for military communication and logistics.

  • Road Systems: Included relay stations manned by “chaskis” (swift messengers) who delivered messages between stations.

  • Architectural Skills: The Inca excelled in stone masonry:

    • Constructed durable stone buildings without iron tools or mortar.

  • Agricultural Innovations:

    • Employed irrigation techniques and water storage to cultivate diverse terrains.

Collapse of the Inca Empire - Part 1

  • King Huayna Capac died from smallpox.

  • Following his death, a power struggle ensued between his sons, Atahualpa and Huascar:

    • Civil war lasted five years.

    • Atahualpa emerged victorious and assumed control of the empire.

Arrival of the Spanish - Collapse of the Inca Empire - Part 2

  • Francisco Pizarro arrived in Peru, leading to significant conflict:

    • Spanish forces kidnapped Atahualpa and held him for ransom, demanding a room filled with silver and gold for his release.

    • The Inca complied and provided the treasure, but Pizarro had Atahualpa executed anyway.

    • The Inca Empire, already weakened from internal conflict, was conquered in 1537.

Reflection and Advisory Message

  • Assignment: Advise Atahualpa and Huascar on the dangers of infighting.

    • Discuss:

    • Reasons why conflict between brothers could jeopardize the empire.

    • Potential consequences of a civil war on Inca stability.

    • Suggested collaborative strategies to maintain unity instead of engaging in warfare.

  • Notes to include at least two specific facts from the study of the Inca Empire to strengthen the argument.