Podcast
Questions and Answers
How did the Inca integrate newly conquered regions into their empire, preventing widespread rebellion?
How did the Inca integrate newly conquered regions into their empire, preventing widespread rebellion?
- By enforcing a complete cultural assimilation, prohibiting local customs and languages.
- By enslaving the conquered population to construct new temples honoring Inca gods.
- By allowing local leaders (Curacas) to maintain their positions, enforcing Inca traditions and governance. (correct)
- By immediately replacing all local leaders with Inca nobles from Cuzco.
What role did the Ayllus play in Inca society, and how did this structure contribute to the functioning of the empire?
What role did the Ayllus play in Inca society, and how did this structure contribute to the functioning of the empire?
- Ayllus served as religious centers, each dedicated to a specific Inca deity.
- Ayllus were military units responsible for expanding and defending the empire's borders.
- Ayllus provided specialized labor for constructing public works, such as roads and temples.
- Ayllus were family-based communities that formed the foundation of Inca society. (correct)
How did the Inca use the Mit'a system to manage labor and resources within their empire?
How did the Inca use the Mit'a system to manage labor and resources within their empire?
- The Inca used it to enslave conquered peoples and force them to work on agricultural projects.
- The Inca used the _Mit'a_ system to collect monetary taxes from all citizens based on their income.
- The Inca used the _Mit'a_ system to encourage trade by requiring all provinces to send resources to the capital.
- The Inca used the _Mit'a_ system to conscript commoners for labor on state projects, such as road and temple construction. (correct)
What was the significance of the Quipu in Inca society, and who had access to this form of record-keeping?
What was the significance of the Quipu in Inca society, and who had access to this form of record-keeping?
In what ways did Inca engineering contribute to the management of agriculture and the expansion of their empire?
In what ways did Inca engineering contribute to the management of agriculture and the expansion of their empire?
How did the Inca's use of freeze-dried food, known as Chuño, support their military and administrative capabilities?
How did the Inca's use of freeze-dried food, known as Chuño, support their military and administrative capabilities?
How did the Inca road system, known as Qhapaq Ñan, enhance the empire's control and integration of its diverse territories?
How did the Inca road system, known as Qhapaq Ñan, enhance the empire's control and integration of its diverse territories?
What was the purpose of trephination in Inca society, and what does its practice reveal about Inca medical knowledge?
What was the purpose of trephination in Inca society, and what does its practice reveal about Inca medical knowledge?
How did the civil war between Atahualpa and Huáscar impact the Inca Empire's vulnerability to Spanish conquest?
How did the civil war between Atahualpa and Huáscar impact the Inca Empire's vulnerability to Spanish conquest?
Why was Cuzco considered the 'center of the world' by the Incas, and what evidence supports its cultural and political importance?
Why was Cuzco considered the 'center of the world' by the Incas, and what evidence supports its cultural and political importance?
Flashcards
Sapa Inca
Sapa Inca
Absolute ruler of the Inca Empire, owning all land and resources.
Ayllus
Ayllus
Family-based communities forming the foundation of Inca society.
Mit'a
Mit'a
Labor tax system in the Inca Empire, requiring commoners to work on state projects.
Quipu
Quipu
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Quechua
Quechua
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Qhapaq Ñan
Qhapaq Ñan
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Curacas
Curacas
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Chuño
Chuño
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Terrace Farming
Terrace Farming
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Study Notes
- Inca civilization thrived with an estimated population of 10-12 million, possibly reaching 15 million.
- The Sapa Inca held absolute power, owning all land and resources.
- The empire was divided into four regions.
- Local leaders, or Curacas, maintained their positions post-conquest to ensure stability.
- Hahua Incas were non-royal nobles who gained status through loyalty.
Inca Social Structure
- The Sapa Inca was the supreme ruler, believed to be a descendant of Inti, the Sun God.
- The Sapa Inca's divine status was rooted in the belief of being the "Blood of Inti."
- Commoners couldn't make eye contact with the Sapa Inca.
- The Coya, the queen and often the Sapa Inca's sister, wielded significant influence.
- Hahua Incas were nobles by privilege, not birthright.
- Priests oversaw religious ceremonies and temples.
- Nobles were exempt from the mit’a labor tax.
- Curacas enforced Inca traditions and governance at the local level.
- Ayllus, family-based communities, formed the base of Inca society.
- Mit’a was a labor tax system that required commoners to work on state projects.
- Potatoes were the primary staple crop.
- Commoners often served as soldiers.
Cuzco
- Cuzco was considered "the center of the world".
- It was believed to be founded by the Children of Inti (Sun God).
- Cuzco wasn't Pizarro’s initial target because he was unaware of Atahualpa.
Machu Picchu & Expansion
- Machu Picchu was constructed during the reign of Pachacuti, the 9th Inca ruler.
- Pachacuti transformed the kingdom into an empire after defeating the Chanca people.
Civil War & Spanish Conquest
- The conflict between Atahualpa and Huáscar weakened the empire.
- The Spanish arrived in 1532, but Inca resistance continued until 1572, led by Túpac Amaru.
- The civil war significantly aided the Spanish conquest.
Language & Communication
- Quechua served as the official spoken language and is still spoken today.
- The Quipu, a knotted string system, was used by nobles and messengers for record-keeping.
Engineering & Achievements
- Terrace farming prevented soil erosion and managed water distribution.
- Suspension bridges used tension, with regular rope replacements for safety.
- Trephination, brain surgery, utilized obsidian tools to treat head injuries.
- Freeze-dried food, Chuño, was used by soldiers and is still used today
- Stone masonry was constructed without iron, mortar, or machines, relying solely on stone tools.
- The Incas used gold ("Sun’s Sweat"), silver, and copper.
Economy & Labor
- The Mit’a system required commoners to pay taxes through labor.
- There was no currency; wealth was managed through tribute and resource distribution.
- Storehouses held food for the sick, elderly, and in cases of emergency.
Roads & Transportation
- The Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Road System) was restricted to soldiers, nobles, and authorized commoners.
- Llamas and alpacas were used for transportation, as the Incas had no horses.
Education & Culture
- Formal schools did not exist; Amautas (tutors) educated nobles in history, religion, and warfare.
- They cultivated around 200 types of potatoes and 20 types of corn, with potatoes being the staple.
- Clothing and textiles, especially hats, signified status in Inca society.
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