1. Aim: Describe Incan Government and Religion

2. Inca Build an Empire
Inca originally lived in a high plateau of the Andres
Inca settled in fertile lands in Valley of Cuzco
1200’s: they established their own small kingdom
1500: Inca ruled an empire that stretched 2,500 miles along the western coast of South America
Inca called it “Land of Four Quarters”
Had a powerful military
Used force only when necessary
Were considered cleaver diplomats
Before attacking, they offered enemy states an honorable surrender 2

3. Incan Government Creates Unity
To control the huge empire, the rulers divided their territory and its people into manageable units
Inca built many cities in conquered areas
All roads led to the capital Cuzco
Main demand Incan state placed was tribute in the form of labor (Mita)
Required citizens to work certain number of days for state
Inca had ambitious public works program
Built road system that 14,000 mile trade network
Created accounting device for math (Quipu)
Used to record data 3

4. Religion Supports the State
Religion was important to Inca
Worshipped fewer gods than Aztecs
Focused on nature spirits (Moon, Stars, Thunder)
Primary Inca god was a creator god called Viracocha
Temple of the Sun in Cuzco was most sacred of all Incan Shrines
Decorated heavily in gold
Other Incan cities had served a ceremonial purpose
Ex: Machu Picchu 4