Incan Civilization

Activities, Culture, and History

An Overview
 The Incan Civilization originated in the Andean region of
modern-day Peru in the 13th century.

The empire grew to encompass a vast area of South America,

including parts of modern-day Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and
Argentina.

Introduction  The Incas were skilled farmers who adapted to the harsh
Andean environment by developing a sophisticated system of
terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation.
 The Incan society was divided into a strict caste system with
the emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests, artisans, and
peasants.
 The Incas used a system of labor exchange and tribute to ensure
the economic sustainability of their empire.

The Incan religion was based on the worship of nature and

ancestral spirits, with the emperor regarded as a divine figure.
 The Incas built impressive structures, such as Machu Picchu,
Sacsayhuaman, and Ollantaytambo, using their advanced
Introduction engineering skills and creativity.
 The Incan language, Quechua, is still spoken by millions of
people in South America today.
 The Incan civilization was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th
century, leading to the decline and eventual disappearance of
many Incan cultural traditions.
 The Incan Civilization was founded by Manco Capac, who
established the city of Cusco in the 13th century.

The Incas expanded their territory through conquest and

diplomacy, incorporating neighboring tribes and cultures into their
empire.
 The Incan Empire was ruled by a series of emperors, including
Pachacuti and Huayna Capac, who oversaw the empire’s growth
History and development.
 The Incan Empire was characterized by a complex social
hierarchy, with the emperor at the top and various caste groups
below him.
 The Incas developed a sophisticated system of agriculture based
on terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation, which allowed them to
thrive in the Andean environment.
 The Incas built impressive structures, such as Machu Picchu and
Sacsayhuaman, using their advanced engineering skills and
creativity.

The Incan religion was based on the worship of nature and

History ancestral spirits, with the emperor regarded as a divine figure.
 In the 16th century, the Incan Empire was conquered by the
Spanish under Francisco Pizarro, leading to the destruction of
much of the Incan culture and civilization.
  Agriculture: The Incas developed a sophisticated agricultural
system based on terracing, irrigation, and crop rotation. They
grew a variety of crops, including maize, potatoes, quinoa, and
beans, which allowed them to feed a growing population and
sustain their empire.
 Engineering and Architecture: The Incas were renowned for
Activities their impressive feats of engineering and architecture. They
built massive stone structures, such as Machu Picchu and
Sacsayhuaman, using advanced techniques such as stone
carving, fitting, and polishing. They also constructed roads,
bridges, and aqueducts that allowed them to travel and
transport goods throughout their empire.
  Art and Craftsmanship: The Incas were skilled artists and
craftsmen, producing a variety of objects, including pottery,
textiles, metalwork, and stone carvings. They used bright
colors, stylized motifs, and intricate designs to create works of
art that were both beautiful and functional.
 Religion and Rituals: The Incas had a complex and
Activities sophisticated religion that was based on the worship of nature
and ancestral spirits. They performed elaborate rituals and
ceremonies to honor their gods, including offerings of food,
drink, and even human sacrifice. They also celebrated festivals
and holidays, such as the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun,
which were important social and cultural events.
 Military and Warfare: The Incas had a well-organized and
disciplined military, which was used to conquer and subjugate
neighboring tribes and cultures. They developed a variety of
weapons and tactics, including slings, spears, and bolas, which
allowed them to defeat larger and more advanced armies.
Activities  Trade and Commerce: The Incas engaged in a complex system
of trade and commerce, which allowed them to exchange goods
and services with neighboring tribes and cultures. They used a
system of barter, as well as a currency based on small gold and
silver discs called “tupus,” to facilitate transactions.
  Education and Learning: The Incas had a sophisticated system
of education and learning, which was based on the transmission
of knowledge and skills from one generation to the next. They
used a system of oral tradition and memory, as well as a
Activities complex system of knotted cords called “quipus,” to record and
communicate information. They also had schools and teachers
who were responsible for training the next generation of Incan
leaders and artisans.
 Social Hierarchy: The Incan society was divided into a strict caste
system with the emperor at the top, followed by nobles, priests,
artisans, and peasants. This hierarchy was based on birth, and
individuals were expected to fulfill certain roles and duties based
on their social status.

Culture  Religion and Spirituality: The Incan religion was based on the
worship of nature and ancestral spirits. The Incas believed that
their emperors were descended from the sun god and had
divine powers. They performed elaborate rituals and
ceremonies to honor their gods, including offerings of food,
drink, and even human sacrifice.
  Art and Architecture: The Incas were renowned for their
impressive feats of engineering and architecture. They built
massive stone structures, such as Machu Picchu and
Sacsayhuaman, using advanced techniques such as stone
carving, fitting, and polishing. They also produced a variety of
art objects, including pottery, textiles, metalwork, and stone
carvings, which were both beautiful and functional.
Culture  Language and Literature: The Incas had a complex and
sophisticated language called Quechua, which is still spoken by
millions of people in South America today. They also had a
system of knotted cords called quipus, which was used for
record-keeping and communication. They produced a variety of
literary works, including the drama Ollantay and hymns to the
sun god Inti.
  Cuisine and Food: The Incas had a varied and nutritious
cuisine, which was based on the crops and animals that were
available in their environment. They grew a variety of crops,
including maize, potatoes, quinoa, and beans, and also raised
llamas and alpacas for meat, wool, and transportation. They
developed techniques such as freeze-drying and salting to
preserve food for long periods of time.
Culture  Clothing and Fashion: The Incas were known for their colorful
and intricate clothing, which was made from a variety of
natural fibers, such as cotton, alpaca, and vicuña. The clothing
reflected their social status, with nobles and priests wearing the
most elaborate and luxurious garments. The Incas also adorned
themselves with jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, and
bracelets, made from gold, silver, and precious stones.
  Sports and Games: The Incas enjoyed a variety of sports and
games, which were played for entertainment and competition.
The most popular game was called “llamay,” which involved
throwing stones at a target. They also played a game called
“t’oq’I,” which was similar to modern-day soccer, using a ball
made from woven materials.
Culture  Gender Roles and Family Life: The Incas had specific gender
roles and expectations for men and women. Men were expected
to be warriors and farmers, while women were responsible for
weaving and household duties. The family was the basic unit of
Incan society, and marriages were arranged by parents to ensure
social and economic compatibility.
  Death and Afterlife: The Incas had a complex belief system
regarding death and the afterlife. They believed in
reincarnation, and the body of the deceased was mummified
and preserved as a way of preparing for the next life. They also
had elaborate funeral rites and ceremonies, which were meant
to honor and respect the deceased.

Culture  Environmental Ethics: The Incas had a deep connection to

nature and believed in the importance of preserving the
environment for future generations. They had a system of
sustainable agriculture, which allowed them to thrive in the
Andean environment without degrading the land. They also had
laws and regulations to protect natural resources, such as water,
forests, and wildlife.