Inca civilization flourished in ancient Peru between c. 1400 and 1533 CE, and their empire eventually extended across western South America from Quito in the north to Santiago in the south, making it the largest empire ever seen in the pre-Columbian America and the largest in the world at that time. The administrative, political, and military center of the empire was located in Cusco in modern-day Peru.

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

The rise of the Inca Empire was spectacularly quick. The Incas themselves called their empire "Tawantinsuyo" meaning 'Land of the Four Quarters'. The Incas regarded themselves as the chosen few, the 'Children of the Sun', and the Inca ruler was Inti's representative and embodiment on earth. The first Incas finally settled in the Valley of Cuzco and Manco Capac.

They began the process of regional unification from the late 14th century CE, and from the early 15th century CE, with the arrival of the first great Inca leader Pachakuti and after the defeat of the Chanca in 1438 CE, the Incas began to expand in search of plunder and production resources. Famed for their unique art and architecture, they constructed finely-built and imposing buildings wherever they conquered, and their spectacular adaptation of natural landscapes with terracing, highways, and mountaintop settlements continues to impress modern visitors at such world famous sites as Machu Picchu.

“40,000 INCAS GOVERNED A TERRITORY WITH 10 MILLION SUBJECTS SPEAKING OVER 30 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES.”

GOVERNMENT & ADMINISTRATION

Inca rule was based on compartmentalised and interlocking units. At the top were the ruler and ten kindred groups of nobles called panaqa. Next in line came ten more kindred groups and then, a third group of nobles not of Inca blood but made Incas as a privilege.

As there was no currency in the Inca world, taxes were paid in kind - usually foodstuffs, precious metals, textiles, exotic feathers, dyes, and spondylus shell. Agricultural land and herds were divided into three parts: production for the state religion and the gods, for the Inca ruler, and for the farmers own use.

INCA RELIGION

The Inca had great reverence for two earlier civilizations who had occupied much the same territory - the Wari and Tiwanaku. Inca rulers made regular pilgrimages to Tiwanaku and the islands of the lake, where two shrines were built to Inti the Sun god and supreme Inca deity, and the moon goddess Mama Kilya.

Sacred sites (huacas) were also established among prominent natural features such as mountain tops, caves, and springs. Religious ceremonies took place according to the astronomical calendar, especially the movements of the sun, moon, and Milky Way (Mayu). Inca religious rituals also involved ancestor worship as they followed the practice of mummification and making offerings to the gods of food, drink, and precious materials.

INCA ART & ARCHITECTURE

The Incas constructed large buildings, walls and fortifications using finely-worked blocks which fitted together so precisely no mortar was needed. With an emphasis on clean lines, trapezoid shapes, and incorporating natural features into these buildings, they have easily withstood the powerful earthquakes which frequently hit the region.

Terracing to maximise land area for agriculture was another Inca practice. These terraces often included canals, as the Incas were expert at diverting water, carrying it across great distances, channelling it underground, and creating spectacular outlets and fountains. Goods were transported across the empire along purpose-built roads. The Inca road network allowed the easy movement of armies, administrators, and trade goods.

Machu Picchu

Inca art is best seen in highly polished metalwork, ceramics, and textiles, with the last being considered the most prestigious by the Incas themselves. Works using precious metals such as discs, jewellery, figures, and everyday objects were made exclusively for Inca nobles.

COLLAPSE

The Inca Empire had not reached a stage of consolidated maturity when it faced its greatest challenge. The Incas were engaged in wars, like in Ecuador. Even, the Incas were hit by an epidemic of European diseases, such as smallpox, which had spread from central America even faster than the European invaders themselves. It was this combination of factors - a perfect storm of rebellion, disease, and invasion - which brought the downfall of the mighty Inca Empire, the largest and richest ever seen in the Americas.

Conquest of Incas