Module 9 The inca Flashcards
When did the Inca first appear?
During the twelfth century
The Inca survived until 1532 when Spanish conquistadors invaded.
What was the original name the Inca used for their empire?
Tawantinsuyu
It means ‘Land of the Four Quarters’.
How many ethnic groups were in the Inca Empire?
Over 100 ethnic groups
The empire had a population of twelve million people.
What significant geographical features were part of the Inca Empire?
Coasts, high mountain valleys, rainforests, deserts
Who founded the city of Cuzco according to Inca mythology?
Manco Capac
He was sent by the sun god Inti.
What shape was the outline of the city of Cuzco said to resemble?
A puma
Who transformed Cuzco into a great city?
Emperor Pachacuti
What notable structure did Pachacuti build in honor of the sun god?
A massive temple
What is the significance of Macchu Picchu?
It grew to be a city of wonder with massive stone temples
What was the weight of the stones used in Macchu Picchu’s construction?
Over 100 tons
It took twenty men working an entire year on one stone.
Who were the two significant emperors of Tawantinsuyu?
Viracocha and Pachacuti
What policy did Pachacuti establish regarding inheritance?
All power went to the son, but material possessions went to other male relatives
What was the primary method of communication within the Inca Empire?
A network of highways
How far could messages travel in a week using the Inca road system?
1,200 miles
What type of economy did the Inca have?
Supply-by-command economy
What was a quipu?
Knotted strings used for record-keeping
Who was the creator god in Inca mythology?
Viracocha
Not to be confused with the emperor of the same name.
What role did priests play in Inca society?
Diagnosed illnesses, solved crimes, predicted the future
What happened to Emperor Atahualpa in 1532?
He was kidnapped and murdered by Francisco Pizarro
What was the population size of the Inca compared to the Spanish?
The Inca outnumbered the Spanish
What system did the Inca use for provincial administration?
Provincial rule with kuraka leaders
What were the four divisions of the Inca Empire?
Chinchaysuyu, Cuntisuyu, Antisuyu, Kollasuyu
Which division of the Inca Empire was the most populated and prestigious?
Chinchaysuyu
Which division of the Inca Empire was the lowest ranked?
Cuntisuyu
