South America Civilizations

Incan Empire

Geography of South America

The Andes mountains have several impacts on life in S. America. Provide large amounts

rainfall to the west (Westward Side of Mountains).

Provide very little rainfall to the east (Leeward Side of Mountains.)

Provides somewhat defensible barrier.

Geography Cont… Look at the western portion of South

America. This region receives very little rainfall.

Early South American Civilizations Chavin

900-200 BC

Moche 400 BC- 600 AD

Nazca 200 BC- 600 AD

Nazca Lines

Background of the Incas

Empire extended along the Pacific coast and Andean highlands. Consisted of modern

Chile & Peru.

Inca originated in village of Paqari-tampu, about 15mi south of Cuzco

Official language: Quecha

The Incan Empire

Rapid expansion occurred from the 1400’s to 1500’s.

Pachacuti- (died 1471) he was the Incan leader from 1438 to 1471.

With the help of his son, Topa Inca, he extended the Incan empire through the use of military force and political alliances.

See the different stages of expansion under each ruler.

Incan Government At the height of the empire in the 1500’s…

Had a population of 12 Million People.

Common people paid a labor tax, or mita. Women could weave cloth to pay this. Men could work on government owned farms, mines, or help

build roads.

A quipa (set of colored and knotted cords) helped keep a system of record keeping. >> Can’t read or translate records. Tax Records Quantities of livestock Census…population data.

Incan Government cont… Capital City: Cuzco (1438)

When the Incan conquered new villages they had a system of forced resettlement for old local leaders, and instead would empower new leaders loyal to the Inca Empire.

Had a road system but it was only used by government officials or military. Private Property was forbidden Citizens taken care of by the empire Crime is almost nonexistent.

Incan Economy “There were no

merchants or markets as we know them in the Incan Empire.” Government controlled

all goods The government would

distribute goods to all the citizens.

Extra food or goods were stored away for times of need.

Economic Developments

1. Constructed aquaducts, cities, temples, fortresses, short rock tunnels, suspension bridges, 2250mi road system

2. Metal works of alloy, copper, tin, bronze, silver, & gold3. Developed important medical practices- surgery on

human skull, anesthesia4. Resources- corn, potatoes, coffee, grain5. Created woven baskets, woodwinds

Incan Religion Polytheistic religion

Inti-the sun god is the main figure worshipped.

People pray to the gods because they were seen to control nature.

Things offered to the Gods. food, clothing, and drink

Rituals included forms of: Divination “prediction”, Sacrifice of humans and animals

Incan Society Ayllu was a cooperative community

consisting of several families. 10 Ayllus needs one chief

Classes Upper Class:

King, Government Officials, & Priests Lower Class:

Farmers, Artisans, & Servants No Slaves in Incan Society

Incan Achievements Architecture & Building

Temples, forts, and roads Incans were skilled builders. Even today it’s nearly

impossible to slip a knife blade between building stones.

Arts Metalworking

Intricate ornaments of gold and silver. Very few pieces left today because of the Spanish

Conquistadors.

Weaving Different patterns for different levels of society. You

could tell who was is a certain class based on what they wore.

Factors of Decline The Inca Empire lasted only about a 100

years.

1. (1532) Spanish Arrival in Peru

2. Internal Conflicts

3. Disease

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!