The basics about the Inca...
History: The Inca were American Indians of Peru. They controlled the city of Cuzco. In the mid 1400's, a ruler named Pachacuti epanded their territory by attacking neighboring tribes. Sometimes the neighboring tribes attacked back. More than 12 million people lived in the empire. The king/ Sapa Indian, was the ruler.
Geography: The Inca territory stretched from Ecuador to Central Chile. The terrain included coastal desserts, snowy mountains, thick forests and lush valleys. They developed ways to farm the land in different terrains.
Economy: The Incas had a strong central government. The government controlled the way they lived and what they did. Most peopple worked for the government or for themselves. Villagers amde food and cloth for soldiers and other people. If natural disasters occured, the government stepped in to help.
Social Structure: The upper class was formed by priests, the emperor, and government officials. They enjoyed many priviliges such as nice clothes and no taxes. People raised llamas and other animals. The lower class lived simply and grew crops such as corn and squash.
Government: The government officials distributed goods collected through the mita. Left over goods were stored in the capitol emergencies. The people had little freedom because of the govenment's tight control, but their general welfare was protected.
Beliefs and Religion: Priests brought mummies of former kings to religious ceremonies. Food and gifts were given to the mummies. Some sacrifices involved human sacrifice. The Inca's believed that some rocks, mountains and springs were sacred. There were many sacrifices made in temples.
Advancements and Achievements: Inca temples were amazing! They were made of cut stone and full of art and jewelry. These artifacts tell a lot about history. Historians study these to learn about the Inca culture.
Architecture: Their buildings were large and heavily decorated. Their artwork made the land more amazing. Memories were passed from generation to generation by story telling. The Incas used knotted ropes to measure and record events in history.
History: The Inca were American Indians of Peru. They controlled the city of Cuzco. In the mid 1400's, a ruler named Pachacuti epanded their territory by attacking neighboring tribes. Sometimes the neighboring tribes attacked back. More than 12 million people lived in the empire. The king/ Sapa Indian, was the ruler.
Geography: The Inca territory stretched from Ecuador to Central Chile. The terrain included coastal desserts, snowy mountains, thick forests and lush valleys. They developed ways to farm the land in different terrains.
Economy: The Incas had a strong central government. The government controlled the way they lived and what they did. Most peopple worked for the government or for themselves. Villagers amde food and cloth for soldiers and other people. If natural disasters occured, the government stepped in to help.
Social Structure: The upper class was formed by priests, the emperor, and government officials. They enjoyed many priviliges such as nice clothes and no taxes. People raised llamas and other animals. The lower class lived simply and grew crops such as corn and squash.
Government: The government officials distributed goods collected through the mita. Left over goods were stored in the capitol emergencies. The people had little freedom because of the govenment's tight control, but their general welfare was protected.
Beliefs and Religion: Priests brought mummies of former kings to religious ceremonies. Food and gifts were given to the mummies. Some sacrifices involved human sacrifice. The Inca's believed that some rocks, mountains and springs were sacred. There were many sacrifices made in temples.
Advancements and Achievements: Inca temples were amazing! They were made of cut stone and full of art and jewelry. These artifacts tell a lot about history. Historians study these to learn about the Inca culture.
Architecture: Their buildings were large and heavily decorated. Their artwork made the land more amazing. Memories were passed from generation to generation by story telling. The Incas used knotted ropes to measure and record events in history.