The Incas

Summary

The video explores the unique aspects of the Inca civilization, which emerged in the early 1200s and expanded into the largest empire in the Americas. Unlike other civilizations, the Incas had no currency; instead, they relied on a planned economy based on goods and labor. Their impressive engineering allowed for terraced farming in the Andes, enabling them to preserve food through freeze-drying. The Incas maintained a vast network of roads for communication and military movement, utilizing quipu for record-keeping instead of a written language. Their hierarchical society and strategic military tactics contributed to their rapid expansion and enduring legacy.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The Inca civilization was founded in Cusco, Peru, around the early 1200s, following a legend of creation by the sun god Inti.
• 🏔️ At its peak, the Inca Empire was the largest in the Americas, stretching from modern Ecuador to Chile and including various climates and terrains.
• 🌱 The Incas excelled in agriculture, utilizing terraced farming to grow crops like corn, potatoes, quinoa, and more, tailored to different altitudes.
• 🥔 They pioneered food preservation methods similar to freeze-drying, enabling them to store potatoes for extended periods, ensuring food security during difficult times.
• 🛤️ An extensive network of roads connected the Inca Empire, facilitating communication, trade, and military movement across challenging mountainous terrain.
• ⚔️ The Inca military was highly organized, using strategies that inspired fear in neighboring lands, and they often expanded their empire through gifts or force.
• 👑 The Inca society was hierarchical, with the Sapa Inca at the top, followed by nobles and commoners, and taxes were paid in goods and labor instead of money.
• 📜 The Incas used quipu, a system of knotted strings, for record-keeping, demonstrating a unique approach to documentation without a formal writing system.
• 💧 The Incas managed their water supply through advanced engineering, including aqueducts and channels, which was essential for agriculture in mountainous areas.
• 🏆 The arrival of the Spanish led to the decline of the Inca Empire, but their innovative practices in agriculture, engineering, and governance continue to be studied today.

Q & A

What is the origin legend of the Inca civilization?

According to Inca legend, their civilization was created by the sun god Inti, who sent his son Manco Capac, along with his wife and siblings, to find a location marked by a golden rod. They built a temple in Cusco once they found the right spot.

When did the Inca civilization begin?

The Inca civilization began around 1200 AD, which is relatively late compared to other Mesoamerican civilizations like the Olmec, Maya, and Aztecs.

What geographical areas did the Inca Empire cover?

At its height, the Inca Empire extended from modern-day Quito in Ecuador to Santiago in Chile, covering parts of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.

How did the Incas adapt their agriculture to mountainous terrain?

The Incas built terraces on the sides of mountains to grow different crops at varying altitudes, optimizing water drainage and soil fertility.

What role did freeze-dried potatoes play in Inca society?

Freeze-dried potatoes were crucial for the Incas, allowing them to preserve food for years and ensure a food supply during bad harvests or harsh winters.

What type of infrastructure did the Incas create to connect their empire?

The Incas built an extensive network of roads that included stairways and suspension bridges, enabling effective communication and transportation across their empire.

What was the strategy of the Sapa Inca when expanding the empire?

The Sapa Inca would send generous gifts to local leaders to persuade them to accept Inca rule. If the leaders refused, the Incas would invade with their strong military.

How was the Inca Empire organized socially and politically?

The Inca Empire was divided into quarters called 'suyu,' with smaller divisions called 'wamani' and the smallest units known as 'ayllu,' which were family groups sharing land and responsibilities.

What was unique about the Inca record-keeping system?

Instead of a written language, the Incas used quipu, which consisted of knotted strings that conveyed information through the types and colors of knots, explained orally by record keepers.

How did the Inca Empire manage its economy without money?

The Inca economy was centrally planned, with citizens paying taxes through crops and labor rather than currency. The government then redistributed resources to meet the needs of the people.