1. The Inca Empire of the Andes © 2011 Clairmont Press

2. Inca civilization The Inca lived along the western coast of South America.The Inca lived along the western coast of South America. Their lands stretched over 2,000 miles from present day Colombia south to Chile.Their lands stretched over 2,000 miles from present day Colombia south to Chile. Their empire centered on their capital, Cusco.Their empire centered on their capital, Cusco. They also controlled lands in present-day Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador.They also controlled lands in present-day Argentina, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

3. Inca achievements They made beautiful gold, silver, and bronze pieces.They made beautiful gold, silver, and bronze pieces. Their leader had rooms of gold and silver at his palace.Their leader had rooms of gold and silver at his palace. They were known for skillfully made textiles.They were known for skillfully made textiles. They built a huge network of roads: click for map.They built a huge network of roads: click for map.click for mapclick for map They were the wealthiest of the native peoples in the New World. Even wealthier than the Aztecs.They were the wealthiest of the native peoples in the New World. Even wealthier than the Aztecs.

4. Inca governance The Inca Empire was divided into four regions.The Inca Empire was divided into four regions. Each region was ruled over by a viceroy or governor.Each region was ruled over by a viceroy or governor. Each region answered to the supreme ruler or emperor in Cuzco.Each region answered to the supreme ruler or emperor in Cuzco. The government positions were typically filled by birthright.The government positions were typically filled by birthright. Competition for power led to civil wars.Competition for power led to civil wars. The emperor was believed to be a descendent of the sun god, therefore the emperor controlled all aspects of life, including religion.The emperor was believed to be a descendent of the sun god, therefore the emperor controlled all aspects of life, including religion. The Inca were ruled by an emperor.

5. INCA society Most people were commoners who held little or no power.Most people were commoners who held little or no power. Only the royal family and some military commanders enjoyed power and wealth.Only the royal family and some military commanders enjoyed power and wealth. The Inca commoner was subject to anything that the emperor commanded.The Inca commoner was subject to anything that the emperor commanded. The commoners often lived hard lives.The commoners often lived hard lives. Many commoners were very skilled workers.Many commoners were very skilled workers. Colors and patterns are common to the Inca people even today.