Inka

Inka is a term used to refer to the ruling class or the emperor of the Inca Empire, which was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Inca Empire was a complex society with an estimated population of 10 to 16 million people. The empire was centered in what is now Peru, and extended into parts of modern-day Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

History

The Inca Empire was established in the 13th century and lasted until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. The empire was known for its sophisticated administrative system, monumental architecture, and intricate road network. The Inca civilization was also notable for its lack of a written language, instead relying on a system of knotted strings known as quipu for record keeping.

Society and Culture

Inka society was highly stratified, with the emperor, known as the Sapa Inka, at the top. The Sapa Inka was considered a divine ruler, descended from the sun god Inti. Below the Sapa Inka were the nobility, who were often related to the emperor. The rest of the population were commoners, who were farmers, artisans, and soldiers.

Inka culture was rich in mythology and religious traditions. The Inka believed in a pantheon of gods, with Inti, the sun god, being the most important. They also practiced human sacrifice, particularly during times of famine or war.

Architecture and Engineering

The Inka were skilled architects and engineers. They built impressive cities, such as Machu Picchu and Cusco, with complex buildings and structures. The Inka were also known for their road network, which extended over 25,000 miles and connected the various regions of the empire.

Decline and Fall

The Inca Empire began to decline in the early 16th century, due to a combination of internal strife and Spanish conquest. The last Inka emperor, Atahualpa, was executed by the Spanish in 1533, marking the end of the Inca Empire.

See Also

• Inca Empire
• Sapa Inka
• Machu Picchu
• Cusco
• Atahualpa

References

Inka Resources
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