The Inca Empire - Largest Civilization in South America, ever!
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Hey kids! Welcome back to KidsCast! Meeting you all after a long time! But we make a comeback with this article on The Inca civilization, one of the grandest empires of the Americas. Let's learn about it!
The Inca Civilization: Empire of the Sun
The Inca civilization, which was also an empire, is renowned for its remarkable history as a powerful and sophisticated empire that thrived in the pre-Columbian Americas. It stands out for its advanced engineering, intricate social systems, and expansive reach across what is now Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, and parts of Argentina. This empire, often referred to as Tawantinsuyu, meaning "the four regions", left a lasting impact on the cultural and architectural heritage of South America.
Why Inca Civilization is famous?
The Incas are famous for their unique ability to integrate diverse cultures into their empire, all while maintaining a centralized authority that facilitated efficient communication, military organization, and resource distribution. Their architectural achievements, such as Machu Picchu and the vast road network that spanned over 40,000 kilometres, are testaments to their engineering advancement and are admired worldwide. Additionally, the Incas are known for their sophisticated agricultural techniques, including terrace farming and irrigation, which maximized crop production.
Area Under Control
Establishment and History
The origins of the Inca civilization are famous in myths and legends, particularly the story of the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, who founded the city of Cusco around the 12th century. The Incas began as a small tribe in the Cusco area of the Andes Mountain range and gradually expanded their territory through diplomacy and warfare. Under the leadership of Pachacuti (1438–1471), the Inca state transformed into an empire. Pachacuti reorganized the kingdom of Cusco into the Tawantinsuyu and embarked on a series of conquests that vastly extended the reach of the empire.
Currency
The Inca economy was based primarily on agriculture, herding, and barter system, rather than a currency-based system. They did not use money traditionally. Instead, the economy was highly centralized, with the state controlling major resources and production. Goods and labour were managed through a system called "mit'a," a form of tribute to the state which in return provided security and infrastructure.
Capital
The capital of the Inca Empire was Cusco, located in modern-day Peru. Cusco was not only the administrative heart but also the religious and cultural center of the empire. The city was laid out in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal, and was home to the Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun, which played a significant role in the religious aspects of Inca life.
Downfall
The downfall of the Inca Empire began with the Spanish conquest led by Francisco Pizarro in 1532. The Spanish were able to exploit existing divisions within the Inca Empire, which had been weakened by a recent civil war between two competing heirs to the throne, Atahualpa and Huascar. The capture and execution of Atahualpa in 1533 marked a pivotal decline of the Incas, although scattered rebellions continued for several decades. The introduction of European diseases to which the local population had no immunity also contributed significantly to the collapse of the empire.
In summary, the Inca civilization is remembered as one of the most impressive in the history of the Americas. Its achievements in architecture, agriculture, and administration continue to be studied and admired. The remains of their sophisticated road systems, breathtaking cities, and agricultural terraces not only attract scholars but also millions of tourists annually. So, kids, we have finally come to the end of this article. Hope you enjoyed it! We will soon be back with more amazing articles. Till then...
HAPPY LEARNING!
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