Inca Civilization Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What physical obstacles did the Incas face in managing their empire?

Their empire was built on a mountain range, there were rivers all around them, and messengers had to face tropical jungles on their journeys.

Who held the top position in the Incan class structure?

The emperor, called the Sapa Inca.

Who were the Capac Incas, and what jobs did they do?

The Capac Incas were the highest ranking nobles and considered relatives of the Sapa Inca. Their jobs included controlling the empire's land and valuable resources, and holding important posts in government, the army, and priesthood.

Who were the curacas and what were some of their responsibilities?

The curacas were local leaders of conquered people responsible for collecting taxes and ensuring adherence to Incan laws and customs. Signup and view all the answers

To what class did most people in the Inca Empire belong and what kind of work did they do?

Most people were commoners and worked as farmers and herders. Signup and view all the answers

Who owned the land each ayllu used?

The emperor owned the land that each ayllu used. Signup and view all the answers

What was the mit'a and how was it paid?

Mit'a was a public duty tax that required men to contribute labor to government projects each year. Signup and view all the answers

How was the education of the sons of Incan nobles different from that of children of commoners?

Noble children had tutors for formal education, while commoners learned skills from their elders. Signup and view all the answers

At what ages did Incan men and women marry, and what were the typical steps to find a partner?

Incan men married in their early 20s, and girls married at 16. Marriages were often arranged by families or the local curaca. Signup and view all the answers

Which god was the most important to the Incas and why?

Inti, the sun god, was the most important god because the Incas believed the emperor's family was descended from him and he was central to agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the types of sacrifices the Incas practiced in their religious ceremonies.

Incas would throw corn on a fire and sacrifice animals, usually llamas or guinea pigs. Human sacrifices occurred on sacred occasions or during natural disasters. Signup and view all the answers

How old were girls who were selected to become Chosen Women, and what did they learn?

Girls were between the ages of 8 and 10 and learned religious duties, food preparation for ceremonies, and weaving garments. Signup and view all the answers

What could happen to Chosen Women after age 15?

Many Chosen Women left their convents to work in temples or became wives of nobles. Some were sacrificed at important religious ceremonies. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Sapa Inca do first when he wanted to include a new group in his empire?

He sent a delegate to meet with the tribute instead of declaring war. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to groups that resisted inclusion in the Inca Empire?

They had to battle with the Incas, usually resulting in loss of life and land. Signup and view all the answers

What things did the leaders of groups that became part of the Inca Empire have to do?

They had to build a sun temple, accept Incan gods as the most powerful, and study Incan laws and the official language. Signup and view all the answers

What unique belief did the Incas have about the lands conquered by the Sapa Inca?

The Incas believed the Sapa Inca continued to rule conquered lands even after death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physical Obstacles

The Incan Empire was situated in a mountainous region, presenting challenges for management and communication.
Rivers surrounded the empire, complicating travel for messengers.
Messengers also navigated tropical jungles, further hindering swift communication.

Incan Class Structure

The emperor, known as the Sapa Inca, occupied the highest position in Inca society.
The Sapa Inca was believed to be a descendant of Inti, the sun god, granting divine authority to rule.

Capac Incas

Capac Incas were top-ranking nobles, related to the Sapa Inca.
They controlled the empire's land and resources, serving in key governmental, military, and religious roles.
This group included governors for the empire's four quarters.

Curacas

Curacas were local leaders from conquered groups.
Responsibilities included tax collection, enforce adherence to Incan laws and customs, and spending time in Cuzco for educational purposes.
They could only govern if they followed Incan traditions.

Common People

Most inhabitants were commoners engaged in farming and herding.
Commoners supported the government by producing goods and working on state projects, such as road building and weaving.

Ayllu Land Ownership

Land used by each ayllu was owned by the emperor.
Members cultivated this communal land for food and crops.

Mit'a System

Mit'a was a public duty tax, requiring men to provide labor for government projects annually.
Tasks included road repair, construction of storehouses, and mining work.

Education Disparities

Commoners received no formal education, learning practical skills from elders.
Noble children were educated by tutors in diverse subjects, including religion, geometry, history, military strategy, and public speaking.

Marriage Customs

Incan men typically married in their early 20s, while women married around 16.
Marriages usually occurred within an ayllu, often arranged by families or locally appointed curacas.
Couples celebrated their agreement to marry by holding hands and exchanging sandals.

Worship of Inti

Inti, the sun god, was the most revered deity due to connections with agriculture and the emperor's lineage.
Agriculture was fundamental to Incan livelihood, linking Inti closely to their daily lives.

Religious Sacrifices

Daily rituals involved priests offering corn to fire for auspicious agricultural conditions.
Animal sacrifices, primarily llamas and guinea pigs, were common, alongside rare human sacrifices during critical events.

Role of Chosen Women

Selected girls aged 8-10 trained in convents to uphold Incan religious traditions, prepare ceremonial food and drink, and weave garments for royalty.
After age 15, some became temple workers, educators, or wives to nobles, while a few were sacrificed.

Inclusion Strategy

The Sapa Inca preferred sending delegates to peacefully integrate new groups rather than declaring war.
This approach emphasized the benefits of joining the empire, such as peace and prosperity, over conflict.

Resistance Consequences

Groups opposing inclusion faced battles with the Incas, usually resulting in significant loss and land forfeiture.

Obligations of Conquered Leaders

Leaders of newly incorporated groups were required to construct sun temples, acknowledge Incan deities, and study Incan laws and language.
They returned to their communities as curacas after thorough education.

Beliefs about Leadership After Death

The Incas believed deceased Sapa Incas continued to govern their conquered lands.
New Sapa Incas expanded territories to manage this belief, leading to the creation of a vast empire as each emperor conquered new land.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate social structure and the challenges faced by the Incan Empire, from geographical obstacles to the roles of various classes within society. Dive into the lives of the Sapa Inca, Capac Incas, and Curacas to understand their governance and responsibilities.