Andean Civilizations Part 2

Lesson 3

Life in the Inca Empire was influenced by social structure, religion, and the Incas’ cultural achievements.

Life in the Inca Empire

• There were two classes in Inca society
• The emperor, priests, and government officials made up the Inca upper class.
• Upper-class families had many privileges, such as stone houses and the best clothes. They did not pay the labor tax.
• The lower class was made up of farmers, artisans, and servants. There were no slaves in Inca society.

Social Divisions

• The Inca Empire had an official religion.
• The Inca believed their kings were related to the sun god.
• The Inca rarely sacrificed humans. Instead, they sacrificed llamas, cloth, or food.
• Elements of Inca religion can still be found in rural areas of the Andes.

Religion

• Inca artists also made brightly colored textiles.
• No written language, but quipus were a system of knots that kept records.
• Literature was made up of storytelling and songs. The Inca also passed down their songs, dances, and religious practices.

• The Inca were known for their massive buildings and forts made of masonry, or stone blocks. Blocks were cut so precisely that even today it is nearly impossible to fit a knife blade between the stones.
• The Inca also built a system of roads that were so well built that some still exist today.
• Inca artisans made jewelry of silver and gold.

Achievements

Francisco Pizarro conquered the Inca and took control of the region in 1537. *A civil war began in the Inca Empire between the two sons of the king, Atahualpa and Huáscar. *Atahualpa eventually won the war, but the infighting had weakened the empire. *On his way to be crowned, Atahualpa was captured by conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro.

Pizarro Conquers the Inca

The causes for the fall of the Inca Empire were similar to those of the Aztec Empire.– Internal problems within the empire – Leaders were captured. – Guns and horses gave the Spanish an advantage. – Disease weakened the native people. Elements of Inca culture remain important in the region today.

THANKS!

Juan Jose Pacheco