Inca Empire

Inca Empire

The Inca Empire (Quechua: Tawantinsuyu, lit. "The Four Regions"), also known as the Incan Empire and the Inka Empire, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The administrative, political and military center of the empire was located in the city of Cusco. The Inca civilization arose from the highlands of Peru sometime in the early 13th century.

History

The Inca Empire was a federation of tribes ruled by a single emperor, the Sapa Inca. The empire was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1438 AD, when the Inca ruler Pachacuti began his conquests, until the Spanish conquest in 1533.

Culture

The Inca Empire was known for its unique art and architecture, which included structures like Machu Picchu and the city of Cusco. The Incas also developed a complex road system, the Qhapaq Ñan, and a unique system of communication known as quipu.

Economy

The economy of the Inca Empire was largely based on agriculture, with maize, potatoes, and llamas being the main crops and animals. The Incas also mined and worked gold and silver, which they used for religious artifacts rather than for commerce.

Religion

The religion of the Inca Empire was polytheistic, with the sun god Inti being the most important deity. The Incas also practiced human sacrifice, particularly during times of famine or war.

Decline

The decline of the Inca Empire began with the Spanish conquest led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. The last Inca stronghold was conquered by the Spanish in 1572.

See also

• History of Peru
• Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire
• Inca society
• Inca mythology