Incas

Location Western Highlands of South AmericaWestern Highlands of South America Present-day Chile, Argentina, Peru, ColombiaPresent-day Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia The empire stretched for more than 3,000 milesThe empire stretched for more than 3,000 miles Capital City – CuzcoCapital City – Cuzco Founded in 1200 A.D.Founded in 1200 A.D.

Military Very powerful armyVery powerful army All men ages were drafted for the army for up to five years.All men ages were drafted for the army for up to five years. Weapons included clubs, spears, spiked copper balls on ropes.Weapons included clubs, spears, spiked copper balls on ropes. Soldiers used woven cloth to throw stones 30 yards.Soldiers used woven cloth to throw stones 30 yards.

Infrastructure Population – more than 9 millionPopulation – more than 9 million Infrastructure – more than 10,000 miles of stone paved roads that ran over mountains, desert, and jungles.Infrastructure – more than 10,000 miles of stone paved roads that ran over mountains, desert, and jungles. Rope bridges – made from glass – were used to cross canyons an rivers.Rope bridges – made from glass – were used to cross canyons an rivers.

Communication Runners would carry messages from the emperor to remote remote villages.Runners would carry messages from the emperor to remote remote villages. Quechua – official languageQuechua – official language No form of written languageNo form of written language Quipus – form of record keeping that used strings and knots to keep track of grain suppliesQuipus – form of record keeping that used strings and knots to keep track of grain supplies

Agriculture The mountainous land was not well suited for farming.The mountainous land was not well suited for farming. Incas cut terraces into the sides of mountains to make platforms to plant on.Incas cut terraces into the sides of mountains to make platforms to plant on. They built stone walls to hold the soils and plants in place.They built stone walls to hold the soils and plants in place. Crops – maize, squash, tomatoes, peanuts, peppers, melons, cotton, potatoes.Crops – maize, squash, tomatoes, peanuts, peppers, melons, cotton, potatoes.

Religion The Incan Empire belonged to the emperor, who was believed to be a descendant of the sun god.The Incan Empire belonged to the emperor, who was believed to be a descendant of the sun god. Incans believed the sun god enjoyed displays of gold, so they made and wore gold jewelry.Incans believed the sun god enjoyed displays of gold, so they made and wore gold jewelry. They built special cities devoted to religious ceremonies. (i.e. – Machu Picchu)They built special cities devoted to religious ceremonies. (i.e. – Machu Picchu)