Table of Contents
Why did the Incas choose to live in the mountains?
The mountains dominated Inca society. The mountain peaks were worshiped as gods. The Andes created a natural barrier between the coastal desert on one side and the jungle on the other.
How did the Inca select a new leader?
The king was expected to marry on his accession, his bride sometimes being his own sister. The queen (Qoya) was known as Mamancik or ‘Our Mother’ and could wield some influence both on her husband and via her kin group, particularly in selecting which son might become the official heir to the throne.
How did the Incas live in their environment?
They adapted to their environment by using terrace farming, which was very important. Terrace farming is when they cut steep hills and they would build rope bridges to cross the mountains.
Where and when did the Inca live?
The 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. It is the largest empire ever seen in the Americas and the largest in the world at that time.
Who were the important leaders of the Inca?
Inca emperors
- Pachacútec. After his father’s surrender, he took military power and obtained strategic alliances with neighboring ethnic groups and managed to expel the Chancas from Cusco.
- Amaru Inca Yupanqui. He was the successor chosen by Pachacutec.
- Tupac Inca Yupanqui.
- Huayna Cápac.
- Huascar.
- Atahualpa.
How did the Inca modify their physical environment in order to survive?
By cutting flat planes into the mountain, the Incas were able to create areas of suitable farmland. Bounded by stone walls, these areas are able to withstand the problems associated with Mountain climates. Along with domesticated species of plants suited to harsh conditions, the Incas were able to farm.
What did the Inca Empire have in common?
The Inca needed a sophisticated and organized government to maintain an empire this large. The Inca government was called the Tawantinsuyu. It was a monarchy ruled by a single leader called the Sapa Inca. Sapa Inca – The emperor or king of the Inca Empire was called the Sapa Inca, which means “sole ruler”.
Who was the sole ruler of the Inca Empire?
Sapa Inca – The emperor or king of the Inca Empire was called the Sapa Inca, which means “sole ruler”. He was the most powerful person in the land and everyone else reported to the Sapa Inca. His principal wife, the queen, was called the coya. Below the Sapa Inca were several officers who helped to rule the empire.
Where did nobles live in the Inca Empire?
The city of Cuzco was a place for nobles to live during the Inca Empire. Commoners did not live in the city. The only exceptions were the servants of the nobles as well as artisans and builders who were working on buildings or other items for the nobles. Many of the high ranking nobles were required to live in Cuzco.
What did the Sapa Inca do for a living?
The Sapa Inca was all powerful. He owned everything. He was the head of government. He made the laws. His word was final. A Sapa Inca had many wives and many children. It was his wives job to pick up anything he might have dropped, including a hair from his head. Everything about the Sapa Inca was sacred and had to be guarded and handled with care.