South America Civilizations Incan Empire

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.

Geography Cont…  Look at the western portion of South America. This region receives very little rainfall.

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

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

The Incan Empire  Rapid expansion occurred from the 1400’s to 1500’s. Pachacuti- (died 1471) he was the Incan leader from 1438 to  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.

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.

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.

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.

Economic Developments 1.Constructed aquaducts, cities, temples, fortresses, short rock tunnels, suspension bridges, 2250mi road system 2.Metal works of alloy, copper, tin, bronze, silver, & gold 3.Developed important medical practices- surgery on human skull, anesthesia 4.Resources- corn, potatoes, coffee, grain 5.Created woven baskets, woodwinds

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

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

Incan Achievements  Architecture & Building 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.

Factors of Decline  The Inca Empire lasted only about a 100 years. 1.( 1532) Spanish Arrival in Peru 2.Internal Conflicts 3.Disease

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!