You may not believe it!
The Incas were imperialists who aimed to unite numerous peoples and cultures under their absolute rule without losing each culture's distinctive qualities. They sought to incorporate the unique strengths of each culture into their empire.
Meat consumption was limited, with ducks and guinea pigs being a small portion of their diet. They enjoyed a diverse range of foods including corn, quinoa, potatoes, and cacao.
The empire's grandeur was abruptly halted due to smallpox outbreaks and the passing of Huayna Capac, the third Sapa Inca of the Inca Empire. Consequently, a civil war broke out among his sons. Ultimately, these events paved the path for the Spanish to triumphantly conquer the Incas in 1532.
In Quechua, the official language of the Incas, the term "Inca" denoted a "ruler" or "lord" and was employed to describe the ruling elite, who constituted only a fraction of the overall population.
The Incas centered their religious beliefs on three distinct realms: the condor symbolized the spirit world known as Hanan Pacha, the puma safeguarded the earthly realm called Kay Pacha, and the serpent was associated with the underworld known as Uku Pacha.
The Inca messengers, known as "chasquis," worked in pairs and had to transport messages and presents, covering up to 150 miles each day. Operating in pairs ensured that while one rested, the other remained alert, able to promptly receive any incoming information.
The Sapa Inca, the emperor, sported a fresh ensemble daily. Once worn, each garment was promptly incinerated. A team of women was responsible for procuring an adequate supply of clothing for the ruler.
The Incas primarily spoke Quechua, a language without written form. Instead, they used a knot record called a "khipu" or "quipu." This system utilized the decimal system, with information conveyed through the number and type of knots on each string.
The communal concept known as ayni, which translates to "today for you, tomorrow for me," focused on sharing food and crops. This practice also involved rituals led by local shamans, who offered materials and earthly goods to honor and show gratitude to Pachamama, Mother Earth.
The concept of "ayni," along with their advanced agricultural system and techniques for preserving food, ensured that everyone had enough food.
The Incas tamed a small number of animals, primarily llamas and alpacas, for their valuable wool and leather. In addition, they domesticated ducks and guinea pigs for sustenance.
The Inca's rope bridges were an impressive feature of their engineering. These bridges, constructed using ichu grass, spanned over canyons and gorges and were maintained by the nearby villagers.
Understood today as non-binary and trans individuals, the two-spirit individuals, called Quariwarmi, were not only respected but also elevated in society as shamans because the Incas worshiped a dual-gendered god called chuqui chinchay.
The Incas practiced polytheism and believed in the influence of their gods on daily life and the natural world. They also revered the Sapa Inca as a ruler who held divine status.
Due to the high infant mortality rate, families generally didn't invest much in their child until they reached two or three years old. At that point, they would commemorate the occasion with a coming-of-age ceremony for the child.
The well-preserved Inca Trail is a small segment of the Qhapaq Ñan, a vast network of Inca roads. This trail played a vital role in communication, defense, and trade for the Inca Empire.
The Incan military was organized according to the decimal system, with the Sapa Inca serving as the official commander with jurisdiction over the entire force.
The empire lacked a formal currency or centralized market. In lieu of this, the Incas cultivated their own food, which functioned as a form of currency for goods and services.
The Sapa Inca wore large plugs that stretched his ears, earning them the nickname "orejones" by the Spanish, meaning big ears.
The Incas had extensive knowledge of astronomy. They meticulously considered the positioning of their buildings and the design of each structure, taking into account the natural surroundings and their relationship with the celestial bodies.
The Incas were the first to cultivate potatoes, using them for medicinal purposes and possessing over 4,000 different potato varieties.
Human sacrifices were an essential part of the Incas' religious practices and were performed to please the gods and ensure a fruitful harvest. These sacrifices occurred regularly during significant rituals to bring prosperity to the empire.
The Spanish conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, effectively brought about the downfall of the Inca Empire. During this period, the empire was facing significant internal issues, and a large portion of the population had been afflicted by diseases introduced by the Europeans. Capitalizing on these circumstances, Pizarro seized the opportunity to bring an end to the Inca Empire.
Sources: (World History Encyclopedia) (Museum Facts)
Machu Picchu, a renowned citadel founded by King Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui in 1450, is a significant and well-known Inca site.
The Inca Empire covered a vast expanse of 3,250 miles (over 5,000 km), spanning from Chile to Colombia. Remarkably, it surpassed the size of the Roman Empire.
The Incas were not acquainted with the use of the wheel or horses. Instead, the primary means of transportation involved walking or utilizing llamas to transport goods throughout the empire.
The communities in present-day Ecuador posed the toughest challenge for the Incas, especially in the Amazon region, due to limited cultural similarities.
The Incas had exceptional architecture that was resistant to earthquakes. The best example is Machu Picchu, which remains in impeccable condition to this day.
The Incas possessed remarkable medical knowledge, as evidenced by archeological findings dating back 2,000 years. These findings suggest that the Incas conducted intricate surgical practices like trepanation, involving the creation of skull openings.
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Who were the Incas?
Uncover the truth about this fascinating ancient civilization
LIFESTYLE History
The Inca civilization had a significant impact on South America through their cultural influence and lasting legacy. Their rise to power occurred between 1438 to 1533, starting as a small tribe and gradually expanding their control from Colombia to Argentina along the coast. Even now, their architectural accomplishments, agricultural practices, communication systems, and record-keeping abilities are still highly regarded.
Curious? Click through the gallery to explore this remarkable civilization.