Introduction to the Inca Empire

Big Question: What factors contributed to the Inca Empire becoming the largest pre-Columbian empire?

In the 1300s, the Aztecs created an empire in Mexico while Inca built theirs in the Andes, with nearly 3,000 miles between them.
No evidence of direct contact between Aztec and Inca empires.
Legend of Origin:
- The sun god chose Cuzco in present-day Peru as the birthplace of Inca civilization for the Quechua people.
- The Quechua lived in small farming communities for about 200 years.
In 1438 CE, the Quechua faced a powerful enemy, whom they defeated, leading to increased power and expansion.
They began conquering other indigenous groups, leading to the birth of the Inca Empire.

The Inca referred to their empire as Tawantinsuyu, meaning “Land of Four Quarters.”
The empire was divided into four quarters, with Cuzco at the center.
The empire extended across the Andes, into valleys, plains, and coastal deserts.
By the 1500s, the Spanish named the empire Inca (not the original term).

Sapa Inca (Emperor):
- Title for the king, believed to be a descendant of Inti, the sun god.
- Governed from Cuzco and had supreme authority over all subjects.
- Heredity determined succession; typically the strongest son was chosen to succeed.
Noble Class:
- Governed by four powerful governors, noblemen, priests, judges, army officers, and tax collectors.
- Nobility held significant governmental roles and privileges.
Common People:
- Commoners inhabited the lower tier of the pyramid, mainly working for the emperor.

Primary Crop: Potatoes, which thrived in the Andean highlands, were essential for food security.
Other crops cultivated included corn, beans, peanuts, manioc, chili peppers, tomatoes, and squash.
Terrace farming techniques:
- Step-like flat surfaces built on hillsides to maximize growing area and trap water.
- Raised aqueducts for irrigation sourced from mountain springs to prevent soil erosion.

Predominantly agricultural economy; no formal currency was used.
Tribute (Goods Tax):
- Based on population within an ayllu (family unit).
- Commoners kept only one third of their harvest, with the remainder going to the gods and nobles.
Labor Tax (Mita):
- Required service from every household, often fulfilled by a male family member.
- Could involve military service, road construction, or mining (copper, tin, gold, silver).

Used by governors to track crop yields and taxes owed or paid.
Consisted of colorful strings tied in knots to represent data.
Importance of Government:
- Provided for citizens in exchange for tribute: food during shortages, care for the sick and elderly, housing security.
- Severe punishment for disobedience as a means to maintain control.

A vast network of 24,000 miles of roads connecting different terrains with notable engineering skill.
Built on natural terrain using stone and simple tools; included tunnels, steps, and causeways.
Infrastructure supported rapid communication and transportation across the empire using runners as messengers.
Note on messengers:
- Trained sprinters could travel over 100 miles in a day, relaying messages via conch-shell trumpets as they passed each other.

The Inca Empire stretched over parts of modern-day Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and parts of Colombia, Chile, and Argentina along the western coast.
Cuzco, the capital, known as the “navel of the world,” is central to the empire's significance.
Historical Foundation:
- Legend states Manco Capac founded Cuzco around 1200 CE.

Acllas: Women chosen to live together for sacred tasks, textile production, and offerings to the gods.
Used fine materials (exclusively from vicuñas for royalty) to produce clothing.
Cuzco was noted for its stone architecture; lacked mortar but utilized precision fitting on stone blocks.
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun):
- Main religious center adorned with gold and silver, reserved for priests and nobility.
Daily life for commoners included living in ayllu units, producing textiles, working fields, and moving for administrative purposes to prevent unified resistance.

The Inca Empire faced internal strife due to disputes between brothers Huascar and Atahualpa for control.
This discord weakened the empire at the time of Spanish arrival (1532 CE).

Conquistador Francisco Pizarro captured Atahualpa after he offered treasures in exchange for his life but was later executed.
Prior to the conquest, civil war had weakened the Inca, compounded by diseases brought by Europeans (which killed about 40% of the population).

Nicknamed “the city in the clouds,” built in the 1400s likely for royal use.
Not discovered by the Spanish; remained hidden until 1911.
An important archaeological site, offering insights into Inca culture with no written records existing from that era.
Popular tourist destination due to its historical importance and picturesque setting.