Achievements of the Incas In this lesson, students will be able to define the following terms: Andes Mountains Terrace Farming Cuzco Achievements of the Incas E. Napp

The Incas developed a vast civilization in the Andes Mountains. E. Napp

The Incas The Incas developed a civilization in a valley of the Andes Mountains around 1100 A.D. The Incas built their capital, Cuzco, high in the Andes Mountains At its height, the empire stretched 2,500 miles. E. Napp

The Incas built terraces to farm on the mountains. E. Napp

Terrace Farming Because they lived in the mountains, the Incas engaged in terrace farming. The Incas built wide step-like terraces. At its height, more than 12 million people lived in the Incan empire. E. Napp

The Incas built many roads to connect their vast empire. E. Napp

Roads To connect their vast empire, the Incas built many roads. One Inca road was 2,500 miles long. The Incas also built rope bridges to connect their empire. E. Napp

The Incas were adept builders. E. Napp

Buildings The Incas built beautiful cities. The Incas cut stone blocks so that they fit tightly together without anything holding them together. Machu Picchu, a fortress city of the Incas, still stands. E. Napp

The Incas were skilled builders. Inca roads stand even today. E. Napp

Welfare While all land belonged to the Incan emperor, he let other people farm the land and pay taxes to him. The government also took care of the sick, the elderly, and the orphan. The government provided for the less fortunate members of society. E. Napp

The Incas were very advanced. E. Napp

Achievements The Incas invented the crowbar. The Incas developed the quipu, a knotted rope for communication. The Incas built buildings without mortar. The Incas provided for all members of the empire. E. Napp

The Incas were conquered by Francisco Pizarro in the 1530s. E. Napp

Questions for Reflection: Where did the Incas build a vast empire? How did the Incas feed a vast population on the mountains? List three achievements of the Incas. What did the Incas create to increase communication within the empire? What did the Incas do that surprises people even today? E. Napp