1. South America Civilizations
Incan Empire

2. 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.

3. Geography Cont…
Look at the western portion of South America. This region receives very little rainfall.
Map of World Deserts. Inca lived in the regions containing the Peruvian and Atacama Desert.

4. Early South American Civilizations
Chavin BC
Moche
400 BC- 600 AD
Nazca
200 BC- 600 AD
Nazca Lines

5. 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
Inca: South American Indians ruled Tawantinsuyu (Incan name of empire) that extended along the Pacific coast and Andean highlands from northern border of modern Ecuador to Maule River in central Chile

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.
Sounds like early form of Socialism or Communism.

9. 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.

10. Economic Developments
Constructed aquaducts, cities, temples, fortresses, short rock tunnels, suspension bridges, 2250mi road system
Metal works of alloy, copper, tin, bronze, silver, & gold
Developed important medical practices- surgery on human skull, anesthesia
Resources- corn, potatoes, coffee, grain
Created woven baskets, woodwinds
Engineers and architects constructed aquaducts, cities, temples, and fortresses
Inca built vast network of roads; comprised two north-south roads, one running along coast about 2250 mi, other inland along Andes for a similar distance, w/ many interconnecting links
Many short rock tunnels, vine-supported suspension bridges constructed
Metalworking: best metal works in Americas; worked w/ alloy, copper, tin, bronze, silver gold; made statues of gods/goddesses
Medical Advances: developed important medical practices- surgery on human skull, procedures close to use of modern antiseptics, anesthesia
Resources: corn, potatoes, coffee, grain
Art/Music/Architecture: woven baskets, metal ornaments, woodwinds, stone buildings

11. 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
Polytheistic religion- Pantheon headed by Inti-the sun god, also included Viracocha-a creator god and culture hero, Apu Illapu-rain god, special attendants “chosen women”
People offered food, clothing, drink to guardian spirits; gods linked to forces of nature; each month own festival

12. 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

13. Incan Achievements Architecture & Building Arts
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.

14. Factors of Decline The Inca Empire lasted only about a 100 years.
(1532) Spanish Arrival in Peru
Internal Conflicts
Disease

15. THAT’S ALL FOLKS!