Peru’s Early People
How did geography affect their civilization?What was the main economic system?
How were they similar to the people of Mesoamerica? Different?
Why don’t we call all people of the region Inca?
How did geography influence the people of Peru?
• Area where they settled extremely mountainous, with access to water
• Buildings and cities were erected along the tops of mountains
• Most buildings were made of stone, as the most abundant material
• Most famous building: Machu Picchu• INCA applies in name only to the most important
male people (wives were Coya); others were divided into other groups of different names
What was the economy like?
• Terrace farming of “New World” crops like corn, potatoes, squash, tomatoes– Within 20 years of discovery of “New World”
people, potatoes became staples of the European diet
• Wool was taken from alpaca/llamas to make clothing and to trade
• Trade of other fine products, like jewelry, pottery, metalworking
What was the government like?
• The government was ruled by an emperor; Pachacuti was the very first
• Capital city of Cuzco • Intricate road system can still be seen today!
– Built by the Mita system: a required work period for all people to help the gov’t
• The empire was divided into four quarters headed by four Apos– Each quarter had provinces run by officials– Hierarchy of power– Bureaucracy collected/distributed tribute
1). Hauna tipo tumi (Bronze Axe on a
Wooden Stick)2). A Stone Mace
3)/4). Bronze Axes 5) Close-up of a Bronze
Ax head 6) Inca Slingshot 7) Inca Slinger
What was their military like?
• When they won a war, they tried to learn the arts of the conquered society– incorporate ideas/arts of others in Incan standardized form, so it
could be copied easily
• Army was more organized than other nations of the Andes – Educated leaders, highly disciplined army, equipment and better
tactics helped Inca to win the battles– include the army of conquered groups in their own so it became
large and versatile
• Road systems and food store/supply system helped troops get from place to place easily with supplies
What was their religion like?• Worshiped nature gods and goddesses
– Inti (the sun god), – Viracocha (the creator), – Illapa (the weather/thunder god),– Pachamama (the earth goddess) – Mamacocha (the sea goddess) – Mamaquilla (the moon goddess)
• Inti was considered to be omnipotent and the highest god– believed members of the royal family were direct descendants of Inti– Viracocha was a culture hero for the Incas
• Emperor and royalty were mummified at death• Priests headed by the high priest of Coricancha, the most important
temple of the Inca state religion– Sacrifice an important part of religion, usually of animals– People sacrificed on a few important occasions usually young women or
children (purity) in an important ceremony
