Aim: How did the Inca overcome the limitations imposed on them by their geography? Do Now: What would you give up for a guarantee of security?

Lands of the Incas

I. Lands of the Incas A.By the 1600s, the Incas ruled 12 million people, who belonged to 100 different cultural groups, and spoke 20 different languages A.Everyone had to learn Incan (Quechue) language, religion, and way of life A.Government sent teachers to conquered lands

Cuzco: A ncient Capital of the Inca (11,000 ft. above sea level)

II. All Roads Led to Cuzco A.Son’s of conquered rulers brought here for education and to ensure that the conquered rulers did not rebel. A.Then, they were sent back to rule. A.In the center of the city was the “Temple of the Sun” interior walls lined with gold. No mortar was used.

Machu Picchu

III.Worship A.Inca’s worshipped their emperor as a representative of the sun god. 1)He had total power 2)controlled land & most businesses. B.Men were drafted into the army or assigned other government service. C.Some young women were assigned special training in religion so they could serve in the temples. (The “Chosen Women”)

Machu Picchu

Incan Suspension Bridges

IV.Technology A.Engineering skills – suspension bridges A.Doctors performed operations, including brain surgery (used drugs) A.Crafts in gold & silver A.Shaped stones for tools

Incan Terrace Farming

V.Farming A.Farmers worked partly for themselves & partly for emperor B.Irrigation C.Farmland created by terrace farming D.Llamas were used to carry heavy loads

Incan Digging Sticks a.Raised cotton a.Sheared wool from llamas and alpacas a.Cooperative farming

Maize in Incan Pottery & Gold Work

VI.Festivals A.Each month had its own festival – from the great ripening and dance of the young maize to the festival of water. B.Festivals were celebrations with ceremonies, and sports games.

Over 100 Different Types of Potatoes Cultivated by the Incans

Produce from a Typical Incan Market

The Quipu: An Incan Database

VII.Writing System A.Quipu – record keeping with a collection of colored strings that were knotted in different ways to represent various numbers B.Chasquis – Messages could also be sent at a moving rate of 200 miles per day (15 day shifts)

Inca Gold & Silver