1. EMPIRE IN THE CLOUDS The Pre-Columbian Inca

2. “THE LARGEST EMPIRE IN AMERICA”

3. Regional states dominated the region from 1250-1438 1438: Pachacuti became ruler of the Inca Launched military campaigns against neighboring peoples By the end of the 15 th century, Inca Empire stretches 2,500 miles Distance from Washington DC to Los Angeles

4. NO SMALL TASK: RULING THE EMPIRE How does a small group of people rule over a much larger group of people? Tactics used by the Inca to control their subjects: Captured members of the ruling classes from subjected peoples Rewarded obedience – gave them choice land, economic benefits Forced rebellious people to resettle in remote parts of the empire

5. THE NITTY-GRITTY No written language That’s a problem…. Solution: quipu Different colors, knots, lengths Allowed government officials to record information about population, taxes, labor services Getting around Inca road system – all roads led to Cuzco (Inca capital) What does this encourage? Centralized government Sharing of information

6. THE I-95 OF THE 15 TH CENTURY Two main roads that led to Cuzco One through mountains, one along coast Combined length: 10,000 miles!!! Paved with stone, shaded with trees Kept up by a municipal service (NJDOT of its day) Facilitated spread of Inca religion, language, etc. Economic impact? Facilitated trade!

7. TRADE AND ECONOMY Most trade was local Barter system Farmers traded their crops for tools, clothes, etc. 2/3 of a farmer’s crop would be given as taxes to the government Government store-houses in case of famine Long-distance trade within the empire did exist All trade went through the central government Merchants were not allowed to become “independent merchants” No capitalism yet… What are the benefits and disadvantages of a state-controlled economy?

8. CLASS STRUCTURE Rulers God-king; infallible Technically, Inca rulers owned EVERYTHING in the Inca Empire Aristocrats Ran the government; led privileged lives Ate well, dressed nice Priests Usually came from aristocratic families Very important to Inca society Peasants Everybody else; worked their entire lives to survive

9. The Inca primarily worshipped the sun as a god; also recognized other natural forces (moon, stars, rain, etc.) as divine

10. SIN AND MORAL THOUGHT Inca believed in an afterlife People would receive rewards or punishments depending on how they lived their lives Sin Violated the natural order Could bring “divine disaster” for individuals or their entire community What effect would this have? Peer Pressure! Don’t sin or we’re all in trouble Ritual Sacrifice? Yes but on a different….level Humans were occasionally sacrificed, but guinea pigs and alpacas were much more common targets