The Inca Create a Mountain Empire /9/06

Early South American Cultures Moche Chimu Inca

The Inca Come to Power Settle Valley of Cuzco –11-family royal lineage (“Big Ears”) Believe Incan ruler is descended from sun Conquer vast territory –Use military power –Use wise diplomacy

Inca Government Create Unity Create central bureaucracy to rule empire Build cities and roads to unify empire Create state-run economy –Regulate production and distribution of goods Develop calendars and accounting methods, but not a written language

Religion Supports the State Incan religion reinforces the power of the state The Inca worship nature spirits –sun god, Inti (leader was descendant) Young men and women –drafted to lifetime service to state church

Nose Rings Copper Axe Head Pre-Incan culture artifact Incan Artifacts

Discord in the Empire Incan ruler dies –Sons launch civil war to determine who rules Spanish arrive –Divide and conquer the Incan Empire